Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson has won some of the UK’s top travel ‘Oscars’, oversaw record-breaking sales for the agency in 2023, and lobbied the government to keep the industry thriving

Lead image: Dubrovnik

You’ve been with Barrhead Travel for nearly 25 years and scooped numerous accolades. What has driven your success?

I’ve always been really focused, and I’m not afraid to push myself out of my comfort zone. I’ll see someone in a certain role and think, ‘I want to be that person’, so I’ll set myself that challenge. I also have a fantastic team around me with a wide range of talent and different backgrounds, so they’ve supported me on my journey.

Barrhead Travel president, Jacqueline Dobson

How did you get your start in travel?

Originally I wanted to be an air hostess, but I was too young. I spotted a job ad for an apprentice at a small, independent travel company in Shawlands, and that’s where I got my training. I’m passionate about travelling, so I followed what I loved. 

Which destinations have you seen coming to the fore?

Smaller adventure tours, where a guide takes you off the beaten track, have become very popular. Post-pandemic, people want memorable experiences. Japan and the Far East are coming back into their own now that travel has opened up, and you can also get some amazing deals for destinations like Mauritius – sometimes as affordable as the Mediterranean.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Are cruises attracting a different audience these days?

They were generally for the more senior market, but cruising has really taken off recently with so many brand-new ships being built. It’s definitely bringing the average age down. There’s an itinerary for everyone now, whether it’s an adults-only ship with a stop-off in Ibiza, something more family-friendly or a cruise line for foodies where you can dine in a different restaurant every night.  

Travel agents are seeing a surge in demand. Why do you think that is?

People are time-poor, aren’t they? Sometimes figuring out a destination and where to go can be a bit of a job. Our team are experts in what they do and we have specialists in every area of travel, so that’s why people keep coming back to us. We also keep every line of communication open to make sure we look after our customers really well – we want to go over and above to help.

Barbados

What challenges are you facing within the industry at the moment?

I started out as a trainee in travel, so I’m an advocate for young people being brought into businesses. Many travel and tourism courses within colleges have been pulled, and a lot of schools nowadays don’t see working within travel as a career. We’re really lobbying for change within the Scottish government when it comes to funding for apprenticeships, to make sure they’re aware of how important travel is and what it contributes to the economy.  

SW Asks

Pure escapism

We normally go to Barbados over New Year. I just love the weather, the people and the atmosphere. It’s so relaxing.

Bucket list

One of our Canadian itineraries. It’s a journey across the country where you start in Toronto, visit Calgary, Banff, Vancouver and head up by ship to Alaska. You also see fantastic scenery aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. 

Singing Sands

Staycation

My mum’s family are from Islay, and it’s just the most idyllic place. There are lots of lovely beaches up there – Singing Sands for one. It’s as if you’re in the Caribbean.

Breathtaking beauty

Croatia has been up and coming for a while now, but Dubrovnik is just stunning when you first sail into the harbour.

All-time favourite

When I flew Virgin Upper Class to Cape Town, then stayed at Richard Branson’s safari lodge, Ulusaba.