Latest news with #InternovaTravelGroup
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Barrhead Travel to post record result as people 'book human'
Key events have included a change in ownership at Barrhead in 2018, which saw the family-owned company sell up to US-based Travel Leaders Group (now part of Internova Travel Group), and her own rise to the top of an organisation she joined as a trainee. However, while the ubiquity of the internet means many people now book holidays online, Dobson said what has not changed is the appetite of consumers for advice from reputable travel agents. 'That demand is still there,' she told The Herald Business HQ Monthly. 'I think what has changed in the industry is definitely technology. 'Obviously, the internet was a huge thing back when it launched. Barrhead was one of the first agencies to adopt this. We launched our first website in 1999. When I first started you would phone operators and suppliers to book holidays. Now with the click of a button you have your flights there, your accommodation options, your cruise options. Everything is a lot more accessible. 'Also, the product has really changed. There is lots available for customers. Before you would maybe have to travel down to Manchester or London from Scotland to access flights. The accessibility is so much better. There are so many more flights now out of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee. 'And people are becoming a lot more adventurous. When I first started out, it was only the minority who went on holiday. Now the majority of people I would say look forward to that annually, if not several times a year.' Read more: Dobson added: 'How we look after our people is a real focus now. I have really embraced that. If you look after your people, you look after your customers and also the business. Having a happy workplace is really essential to make business work.' Much of the Barrhead workforce continues to operate in store, with the company now running 90 outlets throughout the UK. The majority of holidays sold by the firm, which has 565 directly employed staff and 1,000 in total when self-employed consultants and franchise members are included, take place in-store, despite the convenience of the internet. 'Our website is more of a shop window,' Dobson said. 'You can book online. Maybe about 10% of customers book online. People search on the website then actually come into store for booking. They do their research first of all. 'We have invested quite a lot in our website and will continue to invest, but more so from an information perspective, not from an online booking perspective. But if people choose to book online, the facility is there.' She also emphasised the importance of customers being able to count on Barrhead's deeply knowledgeable staff, which includes teams of specialists for different destinations. 'We train our people. We send them out to resorts so they can see the hotels, they can experience the restaurants, they can take the trips, so that we can recommend different excursions and things to the consumer,' Dobson said. 'People generally want a bit of advice.' Barrhead's ability to serve customers has been greatly enhanced since becoming part of Internova, one of the biggest travel companies in the US with more than 100,000 advisers on its books. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Barrhead president Jacqueline Dobson with managing director Nikki Tempest-Mitchell and members of the team Dobson, whose role was expanded recently to include responsibility for four businesses in the US, said being part of such a big company gives Barrhead access to more products, better pricing, superior technology and investment, all of which has powered the roll-out of Barrhead stores south of the Border. Further store openings are planned. 'We are 'book human',' she said. 'Obviously, the high street has had issues but we want physical stores, whether that is in shopping centres, retail parks or the high street. 'We have a commitment to opening more stores.' While many households continue to come under pressure from the cost of living, Dobson said people are still prioritising holidays over other forms of discretionary expenditure, as underlined by recent major surveys from PwC and Barclays. This continues a trend that first became evident in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more: 'People are definitely ring-fencing their holiday spend,' she said. 'They are also booking their main holidays further ahead than ever before. 'People work so hard now that time with their families is precious. We see multi-generational families booking a lot more as well – grandparents, mum and dad and the children. 'A lot of people are time-poor and a holiday is a great way of being able to spend time with your loved ones. 'For instance, you can get a cruise for everybody. These kinds of holidays bring people together at meal times. 'They maybe do their own thing during the day but in the evenings they will come together and enjoy spending time together. 'I just think people are really time-poor and trying to spend as much time with each other as they possibly can, especially after Covid.' Cruises have become an extremely popular way of holidaying among Barrhead's customers in recent years, and now account for around one third of its bookings. 'What is really emerging now is river cruising,' Dobson said. 'That has really taken up popularity. There are so many more new ships being built and coming on board. It is really popular. 'River cruising is definitely an emerging market for us.' She added: 'The Danube is really popular and some of the other rivers in Europe, but also, the Mekong [in Asia] is really an up-and-coming destination for river cruising. 'These smaller boats can get into places the larger vessels can't.' Dobson observed Scots are increasingly adventurous in their choice of holidays, too, and highlighted India, Japan, Kenya and South Africa among the most sought-after destinations. 'People want to experience things more,' she said. 'Our touring and adventure business has increased by 25% this year over 2024. It is mainly destinations such as Japan, India, Kenya and South Africa. 'These are the destinations that are up and coming for touring and adventure. In South Africa people will maybe spend some time in Cape Town and then go on to a safari. Japan is an up-and-coming destination as well – we have seen a real spike in bookings for Japan.' Given the positive trends reported by Barrhead, it is no surprise the company is on course for another record-breaking year. Customers are already booking for 2026, taking advantage of the opportunity to stagger the cost of holidays via regular direct debit payments, Dobson noted. This allows people to spread the cost of holidays over 10, 12 or 14-month periods. However, Dobson believes more should be done at the government level in order to support the industry. In particular, she argues the Scottish Government should be helping high-street businesses such as travel agents and highlights the contrast with England where the retail and hospitality sectors are continuing to receive rates relief. 'I do think the Government needs to look at the high street and how we can regenerate it,' she said. 'Travel agents, charity shops and coffee shops really prop up, in my opinion, the high street – and that's not retail parks or shopping centres, that's the high street in general. And I do think there is a lot more it can do in terms of rates. 'We are really at a disadvantage to our counterparts in England.' Dobson also believes ministers must do more to broaden the provision of educational courses to train young people for entering the industry, and for the apprenticeship levy to be reformed, noting that many companies pay more than they receive in return in terms of accessing funding for the training of apprentices. She would like to have an apprentice in every Barrhead Travel store.
Hospitality Net
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux Joins SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova Program
Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux has been invited to join Internova Travel Group's SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program, an exclusive collection of more than 1,700 luxury properties around the world. Tucked away in a tranquil corner at the foot of the Apuan Alps, Il Bottaccio comes with its fair share of exciting history. It all started with a late 18th century mill, put in place by a wealthy citizen, Paquale Boldrini, who built a house around it in Montignoso. The name itself is quintessentially Tuscan and it refers to a basin where water is collected to supply mills and olive presses. Over the years, this fascinating building was acquired by a renowned heart surgeon, Gaetano Azzolina, who restored it and embellished it as a private home in the 1970s. Elio d'Anna, a mercurial, brilliantly witty, illuminated musician, philosopher and entrepreneur subsequently acquired it. The hotel opened in 1983 and entered the prestigious Relais&Chateau family in 1988. A home rather than a hospitality business, the idea behind it all was - and still is - that of offering respite and pleasure to gourmet travellers in search of matchless sensory experiences. The general atmosphere is one of enticing elegance and charm, epitomised by the highly unique décor, and yet an overall sense of familiarity embraces you as you step in, making every stay a memorable one. Guests who book their stay at a SELECT hotel or resort by Internova through a travel advisor with ALTOUR, Andrew Harper, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group or Travel Leaders Network can enjoy amenities that are unique to the program. Based on availability, those perks may include resort credits, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out and basic Wi-Fi. To learn more about the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program, please visit Hotel website
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Internova Travel Group Marks Global Travel Advisor Day, 10th Anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation
Charitable initiative to help those in need in the travel industry has distributed more than 250 grants since its founding in 2015 NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the world celebrates Global Travel Advisor Day, Internova Travel Group is also marking a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation, its nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting travel professionals and their families through life's toughest challenges. Since its founding in 2015, the Foundation has provided more than 250 emergency grants to individuals across the U.S. affected by illness, job loss, natural disasters and other unexpected hardships. These grants have helped advisors rebuild their lives, often after devastating personal losses. 'This day is about honoring the dedication of travel advisors around the world,' said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies representing more than 100,000 travel advisors. 'But it's also a powerful reminder of our responsibility to stand by the people who make travel possible when they need us most.' In 2024 alone, Family Bonds Foundation raised a record-breaking $650,000, thanks to Internova's advisor network and the incredible generosity of supplier partners. Globus family of brands, Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and Signature Travel Network served as Diamond sponsors, while Allianz Partners and AmaWaterways have already signed on as Diamond Plus donors in 2025, each committed to contributing at least $100,000 this year. To mark its 10-year anniversary and build on this momentum, Internova has set its most ambitious fundraising goal yet—$800,000 in 2025—with major fundraising events planned at two flagship conferences: Travel Leaders Network's EDGE Conference, June 9-12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and Nexion's CoNexion Conference, Sept. 8-10 at the Universal Orlando Resort. Both events will feature public silent auctions and raffles with travel prizes including cruises, luxury stays and premium flights. Bidding opens online one week before each event. 'This foundation is not just for our company, it's for the entire travel advisor community,' said Jackie Friedman, President of Family Bonds Foundation and of Nexion Travel Group, a premium host agency within Internova Travel Group. 'We encourage all travel agencies and networks to join us in supporting the people who make this industry so special. Together, we can make an even bigger impact.' The Foundation accepts nominations year-round, and anyone in the travel industry can nominate a U.S. colleague in need. The next nomination deadline is July 15, with recipients notified by August 1. This year, the Foundation aims to award more than 100 grants. For more information on how to become a corporate donor, or to nominate someone or make a donation, visit About Internova Travel Group Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries. CONTACT: Elizabeth Gaerlan egaerlan@ 1-212-944-1125 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Internova Travel Group
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Internova Travel Group Marks Global Travel Advisor Day, 10th Anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation
Charitable initiative to help those in need in the travel industry has distributed more than 250 grants since its founding in 2015 NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world celebrates Global Travel Advisor Day, Internova Travel Group is also marking a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation, its nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting travel professionals and their families through life's toughest challenges. (PRNewsfoto/Internova Travel Group) Since its founding in 2015, the Foundation has provided more than 250 emergency grants to individuals across the U.S. affected by illness, job loss, natural disasters and other unexpected hardships. These grants have helped advisors rebuild their lives, often after devastating personal losses. "This day is about honoring the dedication of travel advisors around the world," said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies representing more than 100,000 travel advisors. "But it's also a powerful reminder of our responsibility to stand by the people who make travel possible when they need us most." In 2024 alone, Family Bonds Foundation raised a record-breaking $650,000, thanks to Internova's advisor network and the incredible generosity of supplier partners. Globus family of brands, Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and Signature Travel Network served as Diamond sponsors, while Allianz Partners and AmaWaterways have already signed on as Diamond Plus donors in 2025, each committed to contributing at least $100,000 this year. To mark its 10-year anniversary and build on this momentum, Internova has set its most ambitious fundraising goal yet—$800,000 in 2025—with major fundraising events planned at two flagship conferences: Travel Leaders Network's EDGE Conference, June 9-12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and Nexion's CoNexion Conference, Sept. 8-10 at the Universal Orlando Resort. Both events will feature public silent auctions and raffles with travel prizes including cruises, luxury stays and premium flights. Bidding opens online one week before each event. "This foundation is not just for our company, it's for the entire travel advisor community," said Jackie Friedman, President of Family Bonds Foundation and of Nexion Travel Group, a premium host agency within Internova Travel Group. "We encourage all travel agencies and networks to join us in supporting the people who make this industry so special. Together, we can make an even bigger impact." The Foundation accepts nominations year-round, and anyone in the travel industry can nominate a U.S. colleague in need. The next nomination deadline is July 15, with recipients notified by August 1. This year, the Foundation aims to award more than 100 grants.
