Barrhead Travel Clydebank reports record-breaking day

Barrhead Travel insists January 6 - informally known as "Sunshine Saturday" within the industry - became the firm's "highest ever day of sales."

Although the day is typically the most popular day of the year for travel bookings as people start planning their holidays, Barrhead admits phones have been "ringing non-stop" with footfall in-store also high this year.

And president of the popular agency Jacqueline Dobson explained the trend is a glimpse into what she expects to be a busy year ahead.

She said: "We’re only one week into January but it is clear that people have got one thing on their mind this year – booking holidays.

“Since we returned on January 2, phones have been ringing non-stop and footfall in-store has been high.

"I’m delighted to report that our first week has also seen a new record-breaking sales day with Sunshine Saturday outperforming all our record days last year.

“I always think the start of the year sets the tone for what to expect over the coming 12 months. Despite ongoing consumer spending pressures, it is apparent that holidays will remain a priority for most.

“People are planning well ahead and taking advantage of the January sales as well as low deposit and pay-monthly options.”

After consecutive record-breaking weeks in January 2023, the group said they were anticipating “high demand” for this month’s trading.

Bookings were up by 20 per cent for the week compared with 2023.

Summer 2024 has been the most popular booking season as families look to lock in school holiday dates.

The Glasgow-headquartered agency says that as well as the usual family favourites such as Tenerife, Mallorca, and Turkey, long-haul destinations such as Canada, Dubai and Barbados have been among the top places booked this week.

Cruise continues to appeal to Barrhead Travel’s customers, with departures from Southampton and Miami coming in as the most popular ports.