barrhead travel revenue

Barrhead Travel's revenue rises although profit has fallen back

Travel business is working 'round the clock' to pick up the pieces from Thomas Cook collapse

• 00:01, 30 SEP 2019

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Barrhead Travel reported a 6.6% growth in revenue in 2018– up to £320 million from £300 million in the year although profits fell back to £1 million.

President Jacqueline Dobson described the sales increase as a “healthy, positive performance ahead of the market” driven by the expansion and refurbishment of its branch network.

This was coupled with the development of new franchises or managed service travel partners under the Brilliant Travel brand.

Dobson was appointed to the lead role in Barrhead Travel in January after last year’s acquisition by North American-based Travel Leaders Group .

The fall in profits to £1 million followed the group's investment back into the businesses with three new branches, website and technology upgrades as well as accelerated training for more than 800 employees.

The group was also hit, as were other travel businesses, by EU changes in credit card regulations. The group started the year wth forward bookings for 2019 up 7% on last year.

Dobson said: “It is a healthy, positive performance ahead of the market; one that shows our customers trust us with their holiday dreams.

“We significantly reinvested back into the business during 2018 and we will continue to invest and evolve to adapt to the changing demands of customers.

“Expansion is on the horizon for Barrhead Travel and we are working hard to continually enhance the customer journey for our holidaymakers.

“We have plans to invest further in our online experience as well as a commitment to reinvesting in bricks and mortar by integrating state-of-the-art technology into our retail stores.”

The group is also working to improve the experiential nature of the booking process.

Dobson said: “For example, we recently launched our Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Booking Lounge in our Glasgow superstore which has a virtual reality roller-coaster experience as part of the design.”

She said solo holidays, adventure travel, cruise and touring all showed sales increases in 2018 and this trend looked set to grow further in the next year.

Commenting on the administration of Thomas Cook, Dobson said their immediate priority was to look after customers affected: “The news about Thomas Cook’s collapse was really sad – especially for all their employees and for those whose holidays have been impacted.

“Our team have been working round the clock since 2am on Monday morning to make alternative arrangements for our customers.

“There are also a number of vacancies across our branch network – including homeworking opportunities - and we’re trying to help as many former Thomas Cook employees get back into work as soon as possible.”

During 2018, Barrhead Travel invested in a new management development programme and 50 members of staff have embarked on a course with the Chartered Management Institute.

Dobson said: “Drawing on the resources and experience of Travel Leaders Group, we are confident we have the scale and the talent to consistently grow.

“Our customers are still at the heart of everything we do and we are committed to ensuring we always provide unforgettable experiences at value-for-money prices.”

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Barrhead Travel marks record year amidst continued high holiday demand

BARRHEAD TRAVEL, a prominent UK travel agency, is poised to conclude 2023 as its “best ever” trading year, experiencing sustained high demand.

Glasgow-based Barrhead Travel Group reports 11 consecutive record-breaking months, with December expected to yield record sales, contributing to a year-to-date booking increase of 26% compared to 2019.

Despite a dip in national retail sales, Barrhead Travel’s high street presence remains vibrant, citing over 25% growth in in-store sales. The agency attributes this success to persistent travel demand and a return to trusted agents.

Forward bookings for 2024 show strong performance, with customers securing holiday plans earlier than usual. Approximately 25% of new bookings are for last-minute winter holidays in the 2023/24 period.

Barrhead Travel’s plans for 2024 include expansion with new store openings, refurbishments, and investments in technology. Jacqueline Dobson, President at Barrhead Travel, emphasises the commitment to smart and sustainable growth, recording the highest-ever sales, and foresees continued success in 2024.

Dobson states, “Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages. The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high,” expressing optimism about expanding throughout the UK.

The travel agency is set to unveil a USA specialist division in early 2024 as part of its broader organic growth strategy. Dobson notes, “Our commitment to investing in retail has never wavered,” anticipating the announcement of new locations in the first quarter of 2024.

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Barrhead Travel achieves all-time high cruise revenue

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Cruise sales by Barrhead Travel have reached all-time high after revenue increased by 12% year-on-year.

The agency also revealed luxury (46%) and river cruise (11%) sales have risen while reporting that 60% of customers are choosing their cruises based on destination.

Barrhead reported a 20% spike in cruise sales after its bi-annual Cruise Show, on August 25, which had a focus on new-to-cruise customers.

Catriona Parsons, Barrhead Travel’s cruise director, said sales growth had been brought about due to the “exciting developments in the market”.

She said: “Cruise lines are excelling in ship innovation, each year providing our customers with more unique on-board experiences.

“From two-story hot tubs to world-leading entertainment on board, luxury cruising continues to push boundaries.

“During the past twelve months, we have bolstered our cruise teams across our branch network and are anticipating further growth over the coming year.”

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Barrhead Travel goes for growth as revenues rise over £300 million

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It was another year of growth for Barrhead Travel, one of the UK’s largest travel agencies, as revenues breached the £300m level for the first time.

Revenues were up 7.4% compared to 2016 as the company saw a surge in River Cruise sales and increased numbers of customers visiting new stores in England and Northern Ireland. Customers continue to make their annual holiday a priority which is reflected in bookings for 2018 being up 8% year on year.

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Gross Profit of £33.4m was up 5.4% with EBITDA of £2.7m (adjusted to exclude fair value adjustment on open foreign currency forward contracts). This was down £500k year on year as a result of the continued investment in people and website technology alongside the launch of new stores in Belfast and Leicester as part of its organic expansion.

Barrhead Travel reports these investments total £650,000. Further stores have since opened in 2018 (Southampton and Port Glasgow) with one more due to open in October (Fort Kinnaird). The redevelopment and expansion of outlets in Livingston and Glasgow Fort are also pending for later in 2018.

Commenting on the results Barrhead Travel President Sharon Munro said: “I am delighted to report that 2017 was another successful year with record sales and continued healthy operating profits. I believe that due to the group’s unique and varied product offering, the profile of the customer base, and the enhanced operational capability brought about by our takeover by Travel Leaders Group at the start of 2018, the outlook remains very positive. There is a real sense of energy and momentum in the business.”

“2017 had an extremely strong start with fantastic results in the first quarter. Thereafter there was a slowdown which coincided with the snap General Election. Such events historically hit travel sales and last year was no different. However, despite the collapse of Monarch Airlines, terrorist attacks both at home and abroad, a strong hurricane season in the Caribbean and the protracted Brexit negotiations we are delighted that we have recorded another very successful year. I would like to thank all our employees, customers and travel partners for making Barrhead Travel the continued success it is today.

The strategy of the Barrhead Travel Group remains focused on organic growth. The Group continues to expand with such growth supported by enhanced product offerings for customers. Investment also continues to be made in technology, to support expansion in back-office functions, as well as innovations designed to enhance the overall customer experience in store. Such innovations include the roll out of a very successful pilot scheme with Virtual Reality headsets, enhancements to the online portal and the introduction of a direct debit option for customers to pay for their travel.

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Travel counsellors, advantage and barrhead hail record sales.

Travel Counsellors, Advantage Travel Partnership and Barrhead Travel have reported record sales over the past week, with the homeworking firm hitting £7.5 million in revenue in a single day.

Travel Counsellors hit its milestone on Friday 12 January, marking the first time the company has exceeded £7 million revenue in one day in its 30-year history.    Part of this included an individual booking of more than £1.2 million in a week that saw a record 8,814 individual bookings totalling £31.1 million – another record.   This performance tops the previous best sales day of £6.5 million, set on 31 January 2023. So far in January, 72 Travel Counsellors globally have achieved total sales of more than £100,000, with 17 recording individual bookings of over £100,000.   Jim Eastwood, Travel Counsellors global sales director, said: "Blue Monday certainly has seemed to create added urgency as customers and clients eagerly booked their travel plans beforehand.”

Advantage said Saturday 13 January was the busiest day ever recorded among its agents, producing a 19% share of the week’s bookings.

“Throughout the week, there was also a significant increase in high-value bookings to a range of destinations including the Caribbean, USA, Gran Canaria and Canada," said Advantage.

Over the last week, Advantage saw bookings up 14% and revenue up 23% year-on-year “despite an already strong performance in 2023”. In comparison to the previous week, bookings were up 35% and revenue 41%, while average booking value rose 5% on the previous week and 7% year-on-year.

Summer 2024 was the top selling season with a 51% share. June was the most popular departure month, taking 12%, followed by February with 10%.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage chief executive, said: “It is already proving to be a record year for Advantage and our travel agency partners, reflecting the monumental demand for travel from the British public.” 

Barrhead Travel confirmed Saturday 13   January saw sales up over 20% compared with the previous weekend, itself a record.   The group also said the following day was its best ever Sunday, with all channels, including retail, call centres, online and social media performing well.  

Barrhead said f amily bookings were one of the strongest growth areas and top destinations so far were Tenerife, Majorca, Barbados, Lanzarote and cruising from Southampton.

It added late sales made up almost 20% of new bookings last week for travel by the end of March.

Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson said: “The first full two weeks of trading have demonstrated the sheer resilience of the holiday market this year.

“We thought 2023 was the year of the holiday – but booking patterns are suggesting that there may be more frequent trips and longer holidays booked for the coming 12 months.  

“Our branches and call centres have been non-stop since 2   January; even Sundays, which are traditionally quieter for retail in some locations, have been just as busy as Saturdays.  

“At this halfway point in the month, I think it’s safe to say that it will be an exceptional January.”

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What Is Barrhead Travel Group ?

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Barrhead Travel Group Revenue and Competitors

Glasgow , uk, estimated revenue & valuation.

• Barrhead Travel Group 's estimated annual revenue is currently $107.5M per year. (i)
• Barrhead Travel Group 's estimated revenue per employee is $ 316,250
• Barrhead Travel Group has 340 Employees. (i)
• Barrhead Travel Group grew their employee count by 6% last year.

Barrhead Travel Group Competitors & Alternatives Add Company

At Barrhead Travel, we believe that it's our people that make our business, and we recognise that much of the company's success can be directly attributed to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our employees. Started in 1975 in the Glasgow suburb of Barrhead, Scotland, our company has come a long way in 41 years. We are proud to be Scotland's largest independent travel group, and are now also one of the largest in the UK. With over 900 employees across a UK-wide network of 61 locations and a stable of 6 specialist websites, Barrhead Travel is a major player in the UK travel market. Independent researchers have identified us as one of the best-run and most financially secure travel businesses in Britain, thanks to our ability to identify new routes to market by introducing exciting products that inspire our customers. December 2015, welcomed the launch of our first branded store in England. Located in the intu Eldon Square Shopping Centre in Newcastle, this concept store marks the start of our ambitious plans to grow our UK network. We've never been afraid of embracing change and grasping the opportunities that come our way. Thanks to careful planning and proactive strategies, Barrhead Travel carries over 300,000 passengers a year. Work with us, and you will find a company with a hands-on, proactive philosophy that has helped it to become a market leader. Our passion for our people, drive for success and the can-do values that characterise the Barrhead Travel brand mean that we have many more UK branches in pipeline, as well as the expansion of our franchise outlets and homeworking division.

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BARRHEAD - The Barrhead Arts Council will present its final ... as well as a Juno Award for Best New Country Artist/Group in 2001.

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Barrhead Travel Service Ltd. Competitors or Alternatives

Barrhead travel service ltd.'s top competitors include pana, tripl and roadtrippers..

Sharon Munro

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• $16.8M $5M - 25M
• 25 - 100 $16.8M

Hendrik Kleinwächter

• - - $100K - 5M
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• 25 - 100 $15.5M

Noreen Henry

• $8.7M $5M - 25M
• 25 - 100 $8.7M

• $91.7M $5M - 25M
• 100 - 250 $91.7M

Barrhead Travel Service Ltd. VS Pana

Pana is seen as one of Barrhead Travel Service Ltd.'s top competitors. Pana was founded in 2014, and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Like Barrhead Travel Service Ltd., Pana also competes in the Travel, Recreation & Leisure industry. Pana generates $273.4M less revenue vs. Barrhead Travel Service Ltd..

Barrhead Travel Service Ltd. VS tripl

tripl is a top competitor of Barrhead Travel Service Ltd.. tripl was founded in 2015, and its headquarters is in Hamburg, Hamburg. Like Barrhead Travel Service Ltd., tripl also competes in the Packaged Vacations, & Tour Operators field. tripl has 417 fewer employees than Barrhead Travel Service Ltd..

Barrhead Travel Service Ltd. VS Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is Barrhead Travel Service Ltd.'s #3 rival. Roadtrippers was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio} in 2010. Like Barrhead Travel Service Ltd., Roadtrippers also works within the Travel Agency industry. Compared to Barrhead Travel Service Ltd., Roadtrippers generates $275.4M less revenue.

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For nearly 50 years, Barrhead Travel has been helping people to plan their perfect trips. We’re the experts – the UK’s leading independent British travel agents, with an array of awards to our name. We’re dedicated to providing you with the best prices, impartial advice and the widest variety of holidays, combined with top-notch customer service.

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Solar Eclipse Boosted U.S. Hotels With Record Revenue Gains

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

April 19th, 2024 at 4:04 PM EDT

The eclipse brought historic tourism revenue to hotels. But not all local businesses felt the same impact.

Dawit Habtemariam

Hotels in cities in the path of the total solar eclipse on April 8 saw record revenue increases, according to a new analysis published by CoStar’s STR .

The night before the eclipse, U.S. hotel markets in the path of totality saw a 288% year-over-year increase in revenue per available room, a key industry metric.

That was much better than America’s overall hotel performance for the week, which was up 42%.

Some destinations received especially heavy visitation. “At least five of the major hotels downtown were all sold out,” said Bill Solleder, director of marketing for Arkansas’ Visit Hot Springs .

The solar eclipse also boosted hotel revenue in Canada and Mexico. Canada’s hotels in the path of totality got a 224% boost, while the entire country saw a 28% rise.

Mexico’s four hotel markets caught in the eclipse’s path enjoyed a 438% increase.

Totality, Partiality, and Economic Disparity

While tourists filled up hotels, they didn’t spread their dollars everywhere equally, Skift found.

“Some of our locations, especially our outdoor concessions, got crushed while others were the exact same as you would expect for a Monday,” said Jason Dady , who owns several restaurants in the San Antonio area.

Businesses located outside tourist areas like downtowns didn’t see the same boost in foot traffic. Repeated warnings that visitors would cause congested roads led some locals to stay home during the eclipse days, said Solleder.

“When you moved out of the downtown area, especially restaurants, didn’t do as well as normal because they weren’t getting that local income,” he said. “People weren’t going out to dinner because everybody stayed home.”

Over 30 million live in the path of totality, according to the Great American Eclipse , an eclipse tracking group.

“Overall, it was busier but not the craziness as projected,” said San Antonio’s Dady.

Here Comes the Sun. The Eclipse Is This Year’s Top Travel Phenomenon

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass diagonally across the U.S., from south to east, promising a tourism surge.

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