UK travel agent closes after 20 years – are holidays affected?

Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd, founded in 2007, was an independent travel agent offering holidays to destinations worldwide, including:

• New York
• Egypt
• Turkey
• Las Vegas
• Greece
• Cyprus

However, after 19 years, ABTA confirmed that Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd ceased trading on Tuesday (September 9).

As a result, the travel agent’s website is now offline.

Are holidays booked with Barnes Worldwide Travel affected?

ABTA has confirmed that bookings made through Barnes Worldwide Travel should not be affected.

The Liverpool-based travel agent was not the operator of the holidays it sold, meaning bookings should remain valid through the named tour provider.

Customers are advised to check their paperwork to identify the tour operator or principal travel business responsible for their booking.

This information should be listed on booking documents or, for flight-inclusive packages, on the ATOL Certificate under the section ‘Who is protecting your trip’.

ABTA said: “To ensure your holiday continues as planned, you will need to contact the credit control department of your tour operator or other principal travel business with whom you have a contract.

“Your booking should continue as normal, and they will be your direct point of contact.

“Please ensure that you have your documentation with you, as they may require information from this to assist you.”

Other UK travel companies that have closed in 2026

Several other UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services “until further notice” as it looks to appoint an administrator.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

• Ascend Airways (liquidation)
• EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
• Zenith Aviation Limited (administration)
• European Cargo (administration)

Have you booked a holiday through Barnes Worldwide Travel recently? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.