Barrhead Travel toasts 'best trading day on record'

Barrhead Travel has reported its annual Back to the Floor Day on Saturday resulted in its strongest trading day on record.

Eighty members of the agency’s head office team joined key supplier partners to visit retail branches across the UK and help frontline staff.

Bookings on the Saturday after pay day (January 31) were up 37%, the agency said, capping a month which delivered growth “across all areas of the business”.

The sharpest growth came from long-haul, touring and adventure, and cruise, the company added.

Barrhead Travel managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell said: “We’re delighted to be heading into February with a solid sales foundation to build on.”

Saturday began with an all-staff meeting led by sales director Catherine Finlan, whose “high-energy” style set the tone for the day.

Tempest-Mitchell said: “Back to the Floor Day is all about fun, energy and collaboration – bringing our entire business together to support our retail teams at the most important trading point of the month.

“Our supplier partners are a huge part of our success, and many are delighted to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can – whether that’s offering product expertise, making teas and coffees or simply being on hand for customers.

“By removing titles for the day, we create a flat structure that allows the business to flourish and puts our customers firmly at the heart of everything we do.”

The agency reported continued strong demand for traditional family holidays, including all-inclusive trips and cruises, but there has also been “notable growth” in the number of customers seeking long-haul and experience-led travel. 

Destinations in the latter category include Japan, Thailand and Australia.