**Major UK Tour Operator Collapses, Leaving Thousands of Holidaymakers in Limbo**
A prominent British travel company, Balkan Holidays, has ceased trading abruptly, leaving countless holidaymakers across the UK facing cancelled trips and uncertainty over their summer travel plans. The sudden announcement has sent ripples through the travel industry and left many customers scrambling to find alternative arrangements at short notice.
Founded in 1966, Balkan Holidays has long been a leading name for package holidays to destinations in the Balkan region and beyond, offering trips to countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta, and Northern Cyprus. The company enjoyed a strong reputation for its breadth of destinations and direct flights from 17 British airports, setting a benchmark for UK-based tour operators.
On 24 April 2025, the company released a statement confirming its closure. A spokesperson announced, “We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd has as of April 24, 2025, closed for business in the UK. Clients currently on holiday will be unaffected.” The spokesperson further clarified that while the company remains solvent, all forward bookings have been cancelled and Balkan Holidays has stopped trading with immediate effect.
Customers currently overseas need not worry about their ongoing holidays; the firm has reassured that existing customers on holiday will not be disrupted by the closure. However, those with future bookings—some with departures in the coming days or weeks—received the shock news that their plans have been cancelled. The company is urging patience as it promises full refunds to all affected clients, though the process could take several weeks. “All clients will be notified and refunded in full. May we kindly ask for patience as we process the refunds and appreciate your understanding,” said the spokesperson.
Balkan Holidays had previously held a license allowing it to serve up to 27,817 Atol-protected customers until March 2026, and, at its zenith, the company served approximately 130,000 holidaymakers each year. Its long-standing history and stability made this sudden closure even more unexpected for loyal travellers, many of whom had booked well in advance to secure competitive prices.
The news has led to an outpouring of frustration on social media platforms. Disappointed customers shared their experiences and concerns, particularly over the short notice of the closures. One customer expressed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “Absolutely devastated we were going in 36 days’ time! How are we meant to book anywhere now at this notice?” The sentiment was echoed by many who are now faced with the daunting task of securing new holidays—often at vastly inflated last-minute prices.
This event underscores broader challenges facing the British travel industry. The sector, which suffered immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not fully rebounded. Increasing costs, ongoing economic uncertainty, and changes in consumer habits—such as shifts to online booking and the desire for flexibility—have created a tough environment for traditional tour operators. In recent months, families and individuals alike have faced rising holiday prices, making affordable package trips more elusive than before.
Balkan Holidays was not alone in its difficulties. Only last month, Trafalgar Travel, a Guernsey-based travel agency that had operated for 42 years, also closed its doors, citing similar challenges, including a significant shift towards online bookings and rising operational costs. Their management expressed regret over the decision and sought to ensure a smooth transition for their clients.
Official figures reflect the changing landscape for travel agents. According to data from Statista, there has been an 18 per cent fall in the number of British travel agency shops over the past five years, with the number dropping from around 4,200 in March 2019 to just 3,500 by June 2023. This decline highlights the difficulties faced by high street travel agencies in adapting to new market conditions.
For now, Balkan Holidays customers are encouraged to monitor communications from the company and to consult with their payment providers regarding refunds. While the closure represents a significant setback for the firm and its loyal clientele, the wider industry is left to question how traditional tour operators can adapt to ensure their survival in a rapidly evolving travel market.