Sail Away: Barrhead Travel launch first hybrid cruise booking event

Leading UK travel agency, Barrhead Travel, is set to host its first hybrid cruise event this weekend from Friday 27^th August to Monday 30^th August.

The travel group held virtual events during pandemic to continue to “inspire and inform” their customers. Following positive feedback from virtual event attendees, the Glasgow-based travel agency is easing back to face-to-face events with a hybrid concept for its flagship summer cruise event.

Pre-pandemic, the agency hosted annual exhibitions in its Glasgow city-centre superstore, which would welcome between 300 and 500 customers throughout the course of each event. During lockdown, the travel group invited customers to join them for a virtual exhibition, bringing inspiration and expertise to living rooms across the country.

Barrhead Travel say the introduction of virtual event technology has allowed them to invite customers from all over the country to join the exhibition.

The virtual event this weekend will see a blend of on-demand content with specialist appointments also available in all of its local stores as well as video appointments for customers who would prefer to enjoy the holiday booking experience from the comfort of their own homes.

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, said that lockdown has left customers with an appetite for adventure – and cruising is top of the list:

“During lockdown, people were planning and dreaming of the trips they were longing to take. And, the cruise industry plays a significant role in fulfilling bucket-list breaks and dream getaways. With hundreds of brand-new itineraries and plenty of new ships on the horizon, cruising is more exciting than ever and holidaymakers are booking voyages as far in advance as 2024.

“This summer, the ‘seacation’ was one of the most popular holiday types as customers flocked to local ports for their first post-lockdown getaway. These coastal cruises gave many new-to-cruise customers the chance to try out their first ever cruise and this has resulted in an increase in demand for future cruise bookings for a whole new market.

“Cruising suits every single type of holidaymaker – and you really can explore anywhere in the world through rivers and oceans. We know travel might look a little different but our team are fully trained in all travel, cruise and destination guidance to ensure a seamless and enjoyable booking experience for every customer. Our cruise experts and partners are really looking forward to helping our customers bring their worldwide cruise plans to life next weekend at our exhibition.”

Barrhead Travel’s Sail Away Sale will launch virtually on Friday 27^th August with informative online sessions and Q&A panels. In-store appointments can be booked and Barrhead Travel is offering exclusive discounts, prizes and added-value for those booking a cruise holiday this weekend. Every holiday booked with Barrhead Travel also comes with full financial protection. Visit https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/events/cruise-event-show for more information or call 0141 222 2223.