The UK’s leading travel agency group, Barrhead Travel, is marking the end of its milestone 50th anniversary with its third consecutive record-breaking year of sales.
Barrhead Travel says its booking growth during 2025 was, in-part, driven by consumer appetite to enjoy “experiences” with touring and adventure holidays up by more than 27 percent compared with 2024. Cruise was also a major driver of growth, particularly in the river cruise market with the company reporting record bookings of river cruise, up by more than 40 percent.
Its top destinations for travel during 2025 included Tenerife, Mallorca, Alicante, Antalya and Lanzarote for shorthaul with New York, Orlando, Barbados, Dubai and Cancun topping the list for longhaul trips.
Throughout 2025, the travel group has continued to grow its presence on the UK’s high streets, including the opening of its third store in Northern Ireland, signalling long-term commitment to the region with further expansion expected for 2026.
Reaffirming the company’s overall commitment to the high street, Barrhead Travel has also continued to invest in its existing network. More than 90 percent of Scottish stores have now undergone full refurbishment over the last few years as part of a major multi-million-pound investment designed to enhance in-store and customer experience. Its Scottish refurbishment programme will conclude in 2026.
As the groups celebrates its 50th year in business, the company has also underlined its dedication to developing and nurturing young talent in the workplace. Over the past year, 100 percent of Barrhead Travel’s 2024 apprenticeship intake graduated into full-time positions across the business with the occasions marked by two formal graduation ceremonies in April and November.
Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, personally marked 25 years with the business this year and said people were the “cornerstone” of the group’s success:
“This has been a landmark year for us and ongoing investment into our people and store network have delivered tangible results. With bookings already up for travel during 2026, we’re fully expecting this momentum to continue into next year. Our people truly are the engine behind our business – and have been since our inception back in 1975.
“Demand for trusted, knowledgeable travel experts is stronger than ever. Holidays continue to be a priority for consumers, and we are seeing increasing numbers choosing to book in-store for reassurance, expertise, and personalised service. That’s why our commitment to investing in the high street remains unwavering, and why we’re pressing ahead with further expansion, job creation and local investment in our store network across the UK.”
Barrhead Travel is preparing for its peak booking season in January with many stores open seven days until late.