Barrhead Travel reports boost in 2017 bookings

Barrhead Travel has started 2017 on a high with a surge in holiday bookings. 

The independent travel group reported a 20 per cent increase during the first six weeks of the year, compared with the same period last year.

The company said the rise was down to “savvy holidaymakers” on the hunt for early value-for-money offers.

Sharon Munro, CEO of Barrhead Travel, said: “We saw a strong year-end performance in 2016 when bookings increased during what is traditionally a quieter period in the industry, and we are delighted to continue this trend into 2017.

“We anticipate continued growth over the coming months through a mix of loyal customers returning to book with us, as well as new customers who are turning to our reliable and trusted brand.”

There remains growing demand for longhaul and cruise destinations – Thailand has seen the largest increase (up 150%) followed by Dubai (up 132%), New York (up 44%) and Vancouver (up 24%). Bookings for destinations including Kerala in India (the location of TV’s The Real Marigold Hotel) and Japan are also on the up.

Barrhead Travel revealed there has been a significant upswing in family holiday bookings, with a 25 per cent climb in bookings for traditional summer sun holidays, with locations like the Costa Brava regaining popularity.

Munro says the unveiling of the company’s training academy in 2016 has also helped fuel the rise and says the company has ambitious plans for the coming year.

She explained: “The academy has helped us further strengthen and build the knowledge and expertise of our specialists and much of our success over the past few months can be directly attributed to enhanced training opportunities.

“Moving forward into 2017 we have a strong growth strategy – we have earmarked 12 UK locations as part of this strategy and also have a fresh recruitment drive planned.”