The Glasgow-headquartered agency says it has continued to record rising booking numbers since major travel restrictions were eased in January. Last week, it reported that booking levels were 25% higher than the same period in 2019 with enquiry numbers reaching the highest point since before the pandemic.

Over half of new bookings are for summer 2022 as they say clients rush to secure holidays for this year. A growing number of holidaymakers, they report, are simultaneously booking trips for 2023 and 2024 in a bid to lock in pricing. It also noted that, last week, April was its top-selling month by passenger numbers, indicating a strong last-minute market.

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said she expected this summer to see tourism levels return to “almost normality” as many people holiday for the first time in over two years.

“Demand levels are soaring – we’ve particularly noticed a spike in holiday enquiries over the last few weeks as restrictions continue to relax across the world.

“With no travel restrictions left in the UK and many other countries following suit, people are feeling much more confident about travelling over the coming months. Unsurprisingly, summer is set to be our busiest with school summer holiday dates proving to be the most popular departures for new bookings.

“The fact that we are seeing demand begin to outstrip 2019 levels really highlights how quickly confidence has returned to the market. Holidays are extremely important to people this year: many people haven’t been able to enjoy quality time with loved ones for two or three years, so trips away will be very special.

Dobson noted that customers were keen to secure good value-for-money pricing and said that there were still great deals in the market for this summer.

“We’ve noticed some operators and airlines increasing capacity for the summer season which is good news for the industry and for travellers. Global travel is slowly, but surely, returning to business as usual and I expect we will see a steady stream of restored services as summer approaches.

Commenting on the reported cancellations and delays this week, Dobson said that holidaymakers were undeterred:

“Of course, there are going to be some challenges along the way as travel recovers – we’re seeing that play out this week as this Easter is the first major holiday season to operate since pre-pandemic. However, the airlines and operators are working tirelessly to get travellers where they need to be. Customers should make sure they reach their departure airport no later than three hours before their flight to allow plenty of time for transiting through check-in and security.

“It’s another reminder of why holidaymakers should consider booking with a reputable travel agent. No Barrhead Travel customer has lost out on their well-earned holidays this Easter as we’ve been able to quickly rebook anyone that was affected by schedule changes.”

Barrhead Travel says that holidaymakers are returning to the high street for valuable travel advice and financial protection. Its most recent marketing campaign, Book Human, Book Barrhead Travel, aims to deposition technology and remind holidaymakers of the benefits of booking with a real expert.

About Barrhead Travel 

Since it was founded in 1975, Barrhead Travel has expanded from a traditional ‘bucket and spade’ travel agent to a multi-faceted travel group offering bespoke holidays to all corners of the globe, running an in-house training facility, employing specialist consultants providing expert advice in areas such as long haul, cruise, and touring holidays, and promoting youth employment through its apprenticeship scheme.

Its network of stores span across over 85 locations throughout the UK.  The company has won many awards over the years, the most recent including Best Touring and Adventure Travel Agency and has been named Best Travel Agency in Scotland for 20 years running.

The Barrhead Travel Stress Free Guarantee means holidays are fully financially protected and offer customers extra peace of mind when holidaying abroad with access to 24/7 support services.

Barrhead Travel is a brand of Travel Leaders Group, a division of Internova Travel Group.