Jacqueline Dobson is the President of Internova Leisure, which incorporates the UK travel agency group Barrhead Travel as well as US-based brands Andrew Harper, Cruise Specialists, CruCon Cruise Outlet and Travel Leaders Vacation Center.
With over three decades of experience within the travel industry, Jacqueline has been part of shaping the Barrhead Travel Group’s story since joining the organisation more than 20 years ago. She was appointed to the role of Internova Leisure’s President in June 2024 after leading Barrhead Travel as President since 2019.
Throughout her career, Jacqueline has successfully positioned Barrhead Travel as the undisputed leader in the Scottish travel market before leading the group’s high street expansion into England and Northern Ireland. She also established a profitable tour-operation division with the launch of dedicated charters to the Mediterranean, resulting in a game-changing move for the Scottish business.
Every traveler needs a great travel advisor - someone that they can trust. Creating the right environment for our people to thrive through negotiating industry-leading product and delivering training opportunities means that our advisors can focus on creating unforgettable experiences for their clients.
Thanks to her proven track-record, ambition and innovative strategic decisions, Jacqueline’s story of success is well-known and admired amongst industry peers and senior business executives. Jacqueline has been commended at a number of UK business and industry awards including Travel Weekly’s Outstanding Contribution to Travel awards, the Inspiring Woman of the Year at the Business Women Scotland awards and TTG’s Contribution to Travel award. In 2023, she was inducted into the CLIA UK & Ireland’s Hall of Fame, recognising her role in growing and advocating for the cruise market.
Her grass-roots development from where she began to where she is now – as entering the industry trainee to President of the leisure division of one of the world’s largest travel organizations– is echoed in her passion for mentorship. She leads and inspires a new generation of future business leaders through a dedicated coaching and one-to-one mentoring programme.
Jacqueline also serves as President of the Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) and is a board member for the Scottish Chamber of Commerce.