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The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Barrhead Travel story in Glasgow surely offers some lessons
And it was somewhat astonishing to hear the price of a week's holiday in Majorca in 1979 was £50. However, what really hit home as the story of the first 50 years was told was the astute and entrepreneurial decision-making of Barrhead Travel's founder, the late Bill Munro, at various key stages of the development of the business. These included, from Barrhead Travel's earliest days, opening when others were closed, something that was a driver of the establishment of the business in the first place, and Mr Munro's embracing of the internet when it brought major change to the sector. In many ways, it appears Mr Munro built the business by making the right decisions and doing relatively simple things very well indeed. That might sound straightforward enough. However, that is from the position of reflecting on the story of Barrhead Travel from where it is now, having observed the various key stages. What is clear is that Mr Munro had tremendous vision, assessing trends in the sector and reacting shrewdly and at times boldly. The wisdom of the decisions and strategy that paved the way for the creation of what is now a major UK-wide travel agent, from a single shop in Barrhead on the outskirts of Glasgow in 1975, might seem apparent enough with hindsight. However, Mr Munro did not have the benefit of hindsight as he navigated huge changes in the industry. He did just fine without it, achieving a degree of success that is remarkable. Other major events in Barrhead Travel's history - highlighted by president Jacqueline Dobson at last Thursday's dinner – include the responses of the business to the collapse of major package holiday and airline company Thomas Cook and to the coronavirus pandemic. Barrhead Travel has also undergone a change of ownership. It was sold to US-based Travel Leaders Group in 2018, and was by that time one of the UK's biggest travel agents. Barrhead Travel celebrated its 50th birthday at a dinner at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket last week. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Travel Leaders Group is part of Internova Travel Group, which has its head office in New York. Mr Munro died aged 80 in October 2024. A Barrhead Travel spokesman said then: 'It's been almost 50 years since Bill Munro founded Barrhead Travel. His bold vision fundamentally changed the landscape for high street travel agents across the country. He made a tremendous contribution to the overall travel industry as well as becoming an influential figure within the Scottish business community.' This legacy was plain at Barrhead Travel's 50th birthday dinner, which was attended by the founder's daughter, Sharon Munro, who stepped down as president of the business at the end of 2018. Another legacy which was evident was a focus on people within Barrhead Travel, which employs more than 560 people. Read more While the many opportunities given to young people by the business over years and decades through its apprenticeship approach were highlighted, what was also to the fore was the long service of staff throughout the business, including across the executive team. Far too often in the business world these days, the importance of such experience is overlooked, to the ultimate cost of companies which take such a lamentable view. Ms Dobson highlighted the length of service of many of Barrhead Travel's employees. She said: 'I started my career as an apprentice, and many of my colleagues did too.' Jacqueline Dobson has been with Barrhead Travel for 25 years. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Ms Dobson highlighted the fact that she had been with the business for 25 years. And she emphasised she was 'certainly not alone' in having been with Barrhead Travel for that length of time or longer. The business characterises its own journey as follows: 'Since it was founded in 1975, Barrhead Travel has expanded from a traditional 'bucket and spade' travel agent to a multi-faceted travel group offering bespoke holidays and cruises to all corners of the globe.' And it highlights the fact that 'in addition to its retail network which spans over 90 locations across the UK, the group has a number of specialist divisions including touring and adventure, cruise and USA'. The business has indeed come a long way, and its current US-based owner has backed the continuing expansion of Barrhead Travel. What was notable, however, was Ms Dobson's emphasis last week on how the 'heart of the business' is the same as it was 50 years ago. She said: 'While so much has changed, the heart of the business remains the same. We're here to solve problems, support our people, and ultimately deliver unforgettable holidays. 'Our resilience over the decades has only strengthened our belief in what we do. It's our people, our customers, and our communities that have shaped this journey. Celebrating 50 years is not just about looking back, it's about looking forward with confidence, staying true to our roots while continuing to evolve.' Ms Dobson declared that, as Barrhead Travel looks ahead, 'there are no signs of slowing down, with plans for continued investment and expansion on the high street as well as launching new technology'. She highlighted the fact that 'the business has had a record-breaking year, with January 2025 being the most successful month in its 50-year history'. And Ms Dobson emphasised: 'It believes its founding principles, customer service, innovation, and community are as relevant today as they were in 1975.' It is good to see the founding principles of Mr Munro 50 years ago continue to deliver growth and success for what is such a well-known Scottish business. There seemed to be a genuine warmth in the room last week from the various travel industry partners with which Barrhead Travel works. And Ms Dobson's emphasis of the degree to which the business values its people also came across passionately, in stark contrast to the kind of buzzword bingo you hear on this front from some corporates. Many might have doubted when the internet began to revolutionise travel that businesses like Barrhead Travel would continue to thrive but, while many but certainly not all of its competitors have found the journey more difficult and at times impossible, the operation founded by Mr Munro back in 1975 has gone from strength to strength. Hopefully, Barrhead Travel will continue to prosper and prove resilient through the ups and downs of future decades, and it will have the continued backing of its owner to build on the success achieved over the last 50 years.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indians' Europe holiday faces a visa traffic jam
Live Events Getting a Schengen visa remains a challenge for Indian travellers looking to spend their summer holidays in exotic locales in in Schengen visa approvals are continuing for the fourth straight year in 2025 amid soaring demand from Indian tourists, and staff shortages at embassies and consulates, travel companies has persistent appointment availability issues, while the processing time for Netherlands is officially up to 45 days, according to travel industry executives."We have not experienced any applications processed before the turnaround time," said a travel agency executive requesting anonymity. "We are told the challenge is that visas are stamped in India, but the embassy staff needs to wait for an approval per case, and that comes from the Netherlands. We are hearing that Croatia and Finland also require an approval from the headquarters and that is causing delays," the person said.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)People said visa-related appointments for Italy are currently unavailable due to 'Jubilee2025'. They said applicants could face delays across locations as the embassy and consular staff are busy supporting a special 'Tourism-Jubilee' visa for those participating in pilgrimages to Rome organised by local scenario this year is quite similar to that of 2024, noted Karan Aggarwal, director at Cox & Kings. "Italy and Germany continue to face delays. Countries like Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary are increasingly becoming better choices because of faster appointment availability, and can be smart entry points into Europe," he Alapatt, president and group head for marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation at Thomas Cook (India) said Europe continues to witness "strong" demand this summer as well. "Most of our visas are applied for Switzerland, France, Hungary and Spain. The current position indicates available slots within approximately a week for all the above missions across India, with a processing time of 10-15 days," he Batra, founder of travel services provider Travexo, said applicants are facing challenges for Italy. "Visa processing could take up to 60 days for Croatia, while Estonia has a rejection rate of 37-38%. Mid-April onwards, it becomes difficult to get appointments because of the summer rush, and this year is no said France and Switzerland have faster processing times with most visa approvals within a week, but the Netherlands is facing issues. "I have clients in Bengaluru, and it took them 45 days to get their visas for the Netherlands. Delhi is facing delays too," he Aggarwal, joint managing director, BLS International, which handles visa applications for Spain, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Germany and Czech Republic, said while some Schengen countries may be experiencing delays, travellers can avoid the rush by following 'key' guidelines."Visa applications can be submitted up to six months in advance-early planning ensures better appointment availability and a smoother experience," he said. "Several countries also offer priority processing or mobile biometrics, particularly for groups and corporate travellers."Europe is also dealing with its own set of challenges. Some European residents are protesting against the rising tourist traffic. Louvre, the world's most visited museum, shut down on Monday, as per reports, after its staff went on a strike against mass tourism.
Evening Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Evening Standard
Thousands of British holidaymakers face uncertainty after popular travel firm collapses — are you affected?
The Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) provides support for consumers who have booked a package trip – such as flights and accommodation – when a tour operator goes out of business. It arranges people already overseas to be flown home and reimburses financial losses suffered by those with future trips. ATOL was first called on to help consumers in 1974 when Court Line, the UK's second largest tour operator at the time, collapsed, leaving around 35,000 travellers abroad. It brought 140,000 people back to the UK after Thomas Cook went out of business in September 2019 - the UK's largest peacetime repatriation. Other major operations include when airline Monarch went bust in October 2017 and when tour operator XL Leisure Group collapsed in September 2008.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Move over family trips, ‘frolleague' getaways are the new travel trend among Indian professionals
The travel landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and 2025 has brought with it a fascinating shift not just in how people travel, but with whom. Forget the traditional family vacations or romantic getaways — travel tribes are expanding, and leading this shift are the frolleagues: colleagues who are also close friends and now, travel buddies. From post-quarter getaways to spontaneous weekend trips, this dynamic is picking up across metros and tier-2 cities alike. According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, a growing 28 per cent of Indian travellers now prefer 'frolleagues' as their companions on trips. While multigenerational families still lead the chart at 65 per cent, and partners at 60 per cent, the rise of work friendships that extend beyond office walls is significant. Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist and Executive Director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'Travelling with frolleagues or colleagues who are also close friends can offer a unique blend of emotional comfort and shared adventure. From a psychological perspective, these trips can foster deeper bonds, reduce workplace stress, and create shared memories that enhance team dynamics. Being in a relaxed environment outside of work often encourages more authentic conversations and emotional connection.' However, she adds, there can also be challenges. Group dynamics may shift outside the structured roles of the office, and underlying tensions or personality differences can surface. 'When personal and professional relationships are closely intertwined, disagreements during travel can sometimes spill back into the workplace. The key is open communication and mutual respect, both during the trip and after returning to the office.' 'Yes, travelling with work friends can blur boundaries, especially when hierarchies, office politics, or sensitive topics come into play. When personal and professional lives overlap in informal settings, individuals might feel pressure to maintain a certain image or may unintentionally overstep boundaries,' mentions Cadabam. To maintain a healthy balance, she suggests that it's helpful to set subtle expectations early on. For instance, being mindful about not discussing work-related frustrations too heavily on a trip can prevent burnout or conflicts. It's also important to respect personal space and recognize that even among close friends, downtime is necessary. Ultimately, these trips should be about enjoying the companionship, not replicating the workplace in a new location. Younger professionals often seek emotional relatability and shared experiences, and peer-based travel offers just that. Cadabam states, 'Unlike traditional family holidays, which may come with certain obligations or limitations, trips with frolleagues allow individuals to travel with people who share similar life stages, values, and financial independence.' Moreover, many younger professionals find that travelling with peers is a way to decompress while still feeling socially connected. 'It aligns with their preference for community, flexibility, and shared exploration. There's also an unspoken understanding among frolleagues about balancing fun with downtime, something that may not be as easy with family or in solo travel,' notes the expert.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, now Philippines: Is Southeast Asia India's new backyard?
There is a brand-new stamp for Indian travellers to chase! The Philippines has just announced a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists. Yes, you read that right. This latest move is part of the country's plan to boost tourism.'The visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals from India, which rose 12 per cent in 2024 to nearly 80,000,' Reuters means there's yet another travel diary waiting to be written, just minus the paperwork hustle. In 2025, bucket lists are getting longer and travel budgets are expanding. Travellers are now more open to taking frequent trips, not just across India but globally. International travel is starting to feel as accessible, and sometimes as affordable, as a domestic let's be real, travel isn't just about the fun and the pretty views. The first step? Planning and booking (yawn): flights, hotels, itineraries, visa applications. Now imagine international trips, minus the visa stress. Bingo!Dil Chahta Hai less visa stress!We all know visa work is time-consuming, expensive and stressful. That's why countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival (VOA) are becoming big wins for Indian travellers. According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, 44 per cent of Indian travellers are more likely to visit countries with a hassle-free visa process. Survey suggests that 44 per cent travellers look for hassle free travel (Photo: Pexels) advertisementPopular destinations offering VOA for Indian passport holders are: Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Jordan amongst countries are even more chill - no visa needed, but only for a limited number of days. Think Mauritius, Nepal, Hong Kong, Fiji, the Philippines (now proudly on that list), and and visa-free stays are often time-limited and purpose-specific. Requirements can change, and you don't want a surprise at the airport - so double-check!The rise of Southeast Asian travelLet's agree that Southeast Asia is clearly having a moment. There has been a substantial rise in the tourism sector. Experts believe this is just the has been a travel staple for Indians. However, in the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia stole the spotlight as the most visited country. As per Malaysia Tourism data presented in VN Express report, over 10.1 million foreign travellers visited Malaysia. Thailand came in second with 9.55 million tourist arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 6 million and Singapore with 4.31 what exactly is driving the buzz around this region?"Southeast Asia fits the bill perfectly. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines offer strong value for money, visa-friendly policies, and a wide variety of experiences. As air connectivity improves and more travellers seek short-haul destinations, this region is seeing consistent growth," Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings tells India Today. Da Nang, Vietnam (Photo: Pexels) Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, also highlights the role of rising disposable incomes and how the Philippines is now emerging as a traveller's favourite."Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam - these destinations have consistently been favourites, but we are seeing a growing interest in places like the Philippines, which was not as prominent a few years ago. According to recent data, Bali continues to lead, with nearly 23.43 per cent of Indian travellers opting for it. Thailand and Vietnam are also experiencing a rise in both flight bookings and package bookings due to their combination of beaches, culture, and adventure offerings," he has been a rise in demand for places like Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos, and now, several regions within the Philippines, such as Cebu and El Nido. "We've seen a shift in booking patterns. Travellers are asking for more personalised itineraries in these regions, including offbeat locations, culture retreats, and culinary tours," he the proximity, culture, adventure, budget and luxury travel experiences make these Southeast Asian countries a one-stop shop for every kind of choose Philippines for your next vacationThe Philippines has suddenly found a place on the search engines, Instagram reels, and Pinterest travel mood boards. Soon after the announcement of visa relaxation, there has been a rapid increase in the search for the island country."In just a week, our searches from India rose by around 25 per cent, with the Philippines climbing from the eighth to the third most searched destination in Southeast Asia, just behind Thailand and Indonesia. What stands out is the pace and consistency of this interest. Our projections indicate that this momentum will continue, with travel demand expected to grow by another 15-25 per cent in the coming months," Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip tells India the increase in search demands, Ganapathy also explains that the rise in interest is not just due to visa relaxation, but also due to the region's growing reputation for offering adventure and luxury experiences in tandem. With stunning islands, affordable luxury resorts, and water-based activities, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for both couples and there yetAmidst the last-minute booking rush (hello, summer vacations!), one aspect might still pose a hurdle: direct connectivity. Air India is set to commence direct flights between Delhi and Manila, but that only begins in October 2025."Currently, limited flight options can act as a deterrent. Introducing more direct routes from major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities to key destinations in the Philippines will play a crucial role in unlocking the country's full tourism potential for Indian travellers," Agarwal calling!Are you already planning your island escapades itinerary? From waterfalls to postcard-perfect beaches, here are some of the popular tourist This is where you'll find that serene turquoise water and powdery white sand. Not emotions, but yes—sunsets worth framing, and hammock naps that feel like a This is like a tropical blockbuster- adventure and relaxation, all in one. One may explore the lagoons in El Nido and shipwreck dives in Coron. Or kayak through the limestone cliffs and soak in the sound of rippling water and birds. Chocolate Hills in Philippines (Pexels) advertisementBohol: A haven for nature lovers, this island is famous for its iconic Chocolate Hills (no, not edible). These hills are popular owing to the unique geological composition of limestone. It is also home to the tiniest primates, called tarsiers. This place offers a tropical experience where you can cruise down the rivers, enjoy heritage churches and bask in the sun, of course!Siargao: It is called the 'Surf Capital of the Philippines'. Reef breaks, marine life, and secluded beaches are crowd pullers. You can simply hire a scooter and explore the scenic roads of the Rice Terraces: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush rice paddies that stretch as far as your eyes can take you. These terraces were made by manual labour thousands of years ago. Waterfalls in Philippines (Photo: Unsplash) Cebu: Are you a water baby? Cebu is where you can chase waterfalls at Kaswan. You can snorkel your way through reefs and have an experience swimming alongside the gentle giants - whale sharks!There are several other islands that offer skydiving, natural waterfalls, cliff jumping domestic travel getting more expensive every day, for Indians, travelling to these Southeast Asian countries seems like a viable and lucrative option, and there's no debating Reel
