Barrhead Travel reveals Scots holiday hot-spots in record-breaking 50th year

The holidays firm, which has a retail network spanning more than 90 locations across the UK, said its booking growth during 2025 was, in-part, driven by consumer appetite to enjoy “experiences”. Touring and adventure holidays were up by some 27 per cent compared with the year before.

Cruise was also a major driver of growth, it noted, particularly in the river cruise market with the company reporting record bookings, up by more than 40 per cent.

Top destinations for travel during 2025 included Tenerife, Mallorca, Alicante, Antalya and Lanzarote for short-haul with New York, Orlando, Barbados, Dubai and Cancun topping the list for long-haul trips.

Throughout 2025, the travel group - founded in 1975 - continued to grow its presence on the UK’s high streets, including the opening of its third store in Northern Ireland.

More than 90 per cent of Scottish stores have now undergone a full makeover during the last few years as part of a multi-million-pound investment. That Scottish refurbishment programme will conclude in 2026.

Meanwhile, over the past year, 100 per cent 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, said: “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,” she added. “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.”