Every challenge reaffirms the value of our industry

This month, Barrhead Travel is celebrating 50 years in business – a milestone that brings with it both pride and reflection. Half a century in travel has taught us a lot and we’ve seen change, disaster and opportunity in equal measure over the years.

Throughout it all, there’s been one thing that has kept the industry – and particularly Barrhead Travel – thriving. It’s quite clearly the people in travel who keep our businesses moving. 

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Back in 1975, when we first opened our doors, the concept of international leisure travel was very different to how it is now. A foreign holiday was a true luxury, with just one-third of Brits having been abroad. Holidays were still a family staple, though, with many opting to flock to the shores of British beaches. 

Within the first few years of Barrhead Travel operating, the package holiday began to climb in popularity thanks to its convenience.

Brochures and visits to the branch were offering the first glimpse of sunny escapes abroad. Fast forward 50 years, and holidays are no longer seen as a commodity – they have evolved to become a necessity, with many people now taking multiple trips per year. But alongside this evolution, the travel industry has faced some seriously challenging moments that have influenced its trajectory. 

Overcoming adversity

The rise of the internet in the late 1990s reshaped how we sell holidays, forcing agencies to adapt or suffer decline. Barrhead Travel faced the challenge head-on, finding new ways to blend technology with personal service and becoming one of the first high street agencies to embrace the internet, launching barrheadtravel.co.uk, which remains our domain today.

Then came 9/11, the 2001 tragedy that changed the world, including the way we travel. Overnight, safety became a central focus for both travellers and the industry. Security protocols, insurance needs and customer anxieties all shifted, and our role as trusted advisors became even more crucial. It even shaped the type of travel that people pursued. With Americans pausing their holiday plans, prices plummeted and it was the first time that we really saw the cruise market take off as it became more affordable for British holidaymakers. 

In 2010, the Icelandic ash cloud brought European airspace to a standstill. Thousands of people were stranded, and once again it was travel professionals who stepped up by rebooking, rerouteing and reassuring. It was a reminder that no algorithm or online system can replace human empathy or ingenuity in a crisis.

And of course, let’s not forget our most recent challenge – the Covid-19 pandemic – a once-in-a-generation disaster that brought travel to its knees. It tested every part of our industry, but also reaffirmed the value of our people. Our teams became more essential than ever: navigating complex regulations, repatriating stranded travellers, supporting with refunds and simply being there for clients as holiday plans kept changing. That experience reinforced something we’ve always believed: customers don’t just need someone to sell them a holiday – they need someone they trust to be with them, every step of the way. 

People power

At Barrhead Travel, we have always championed our people. A lot of our colleagues have been with us for decades – many joined as apprentices and are now part of our senior management team, or leading teams and running branches. This longevity isn’t just good for business, it builds trust with our customers and preserves the values that we’ve held since day one.

As we look to the future, I’m filled with optimism. The way people book holidays will continue to evolve, but their reasons for travelling – along with their need for expert guidance – will remain. Travel brings joy, connection and perspective. And no matter what comes next, it will always be people who make our industry resilient, relevant and remarkable.

Here’s to the next 50 years for Barrhead Travel and our wonderful industry. We’re built on experience, shaped by change and powered by our people.