Drake Circus welcomes new travel agency to Plymouth city centre

A leading UK travel agency, Barrhead Travel, has opened its doors on the Plymouth high street. The move marks the resumption of the agency’s expansion project, made possible by returning confidence in the travel sector alongside growing demand for the services of a travel agent – and Plymouth is first on the list.

The brand-new store is located at Drake Circus shopping centre by the Old Town Street entrance next to Cotswold Outdoor and EE and opened on Saturday 11th September with an official launch party to celebrate a new beginning for the team of four – all of whom have been working remotely since 2019.

Despite the continued effects of the pandemic, the Scottish-headquartered agency who now have over 85 locations throughout the UK, says it is committed to its pre-pandemic expansion pledge.

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, is confident that the ‘high street agent’ will make an almighty comeback, chiming with reports from ABTA that suggest people are 20% more likely to use a travel agent than pre-pandemic. She said: “We are delighted to bring our trusted brand to the people of Plymouth as part of our continued to commitment to high street retail.

“There is an incredible pent-up demand for travel later this year and beyond and, as holidays become more accessible, it is important that people lean on the knowledge and protection that a reputable travel agent can offer. With so many changes in travel guidance, holidaymakers are not only turning to our experts for inspiration, they’re turning to us as they know we have the expertise to support them with changing travel advice, entry requirements and testing.

“While we have a great virtual service in operation, it was important to us that we have our consultants available on our customers’ doorsteps to offer them a human connection with someone who is highly qualified in navigating the travel landscape - and someone they can trust.”

Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel launched its Stress-Free Guarantee which provides holidaymakers with assurances about financial protection, flexible booking options and safety abroad. Barrhead Travel says the guarantee offers a cast-iron pledge to ensure that every single holiday booked is completely protected and offers the best possible flexibility.

The Plymouth store will be led by manager, Claire Ives, and a team of travel specialists with over 50 years of collective experience. The agency will specialise in all holiday offerings including cruise, staycations, touring, wedding and honeymoons, city and beach breaks – all tailor-made to each customer.

Barrhead Travel Plymouth Store Manager, Claire Ives said: “I’m so excited to be opening the first Barrhead Travel Store in the South West.  Myself and my team can’t wait to finally be back on the high street where we belong, greeting our customers face-to-face. “Having the opportunity to personally thank them for their support over the last year will be amazing and I know they will be delighted with the options, value and protection we can provide them for their next getaway.”

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus said: “We’re so pleased to be able to announce another new addition to the centre. The new opening is part of our ongoing investment in Drake Circus and The Barcode to make us the best shopping, leisure and dining destination in the region.

“We’re sure that Barrhead Travel will prove very popular with our customers, especially with it being its first store to open in the South West.”