A TRAVEL agency in Warrington closed 2023 as its ‘best ever’ trading year as demand for travel continues to soar.

Barrhead Travel, which has a shop in Golden Square Shopping Centre, celebrated 11 consecutive record-breaking months since January 2023.

It also forecast that the month of December would also conclude with record sales.

Year to date bookings for the group are up by 26 per cent compared with 2019 sales, which before 2023 was the company’s best trading year.

Barrhead Travel’s performance is bucking the trend on the high street.

Despite recent ONS figures indicating that October retail sales fell to the lowest levels since the 2021 lockdowns, the travel group says its retail network is ‘busier than ever’ with sales in-store growing by more than 25 per cent.

The group attributes its strong retail performance to the continued demand for travel, as well as consumers returning to reputable travel agents to book their holidays.

Bookings for 2024 are performing particularly well, with the agency reporting that customers have been securing their annual holiday plans earlier than usual.

Last-minute bookings for winter holidays remain a popular option, with around 25 per cent of new bookings travelling across the 2023/24 winter period.

Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel confirmed it would pursue further expansion during 2024, with multiple store openings planned for the year ahead.

Investment will also be channelled into existing stores for refurbishments, additional full and part time roles, and new technology.

Simon Taylor, manager at Barrhead Travel Warrington, said: “Over the last year, we prioritised smart and sustainable growth, which has seen us deliver record breaking results.

“This year, we will have recorded our highest ever sales and we expect to continue that pace in 2024.

“Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages.

“The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high, which is why we believe that now is the time to move ahead with further expansion throughout the UK.”

Barrhead Travel has also announced the addition of a USA specialist division, which will be launching in early 2024 as part of its wider plans for organic growth.