The new arm – which will be branded as Touring & Adventure by Barrhead Travel – will be staffed by four industry experts who have more than 40 years of experience in the sector.

They will be based remotely across the UK and will service enquiries stemming from online, telephone and social media, as well as serving as a support function for the group’s retail network.
 
The team will be led by Natalie Greaves, a former STA Travel regional sales manager, who has worked in the touring and adventure sector for ten years.

Split into two product areas, Barrhead’s adventure offering will target younger travellers – such as students, school leavers and those taking a gap year.
 
Meanwhile, its touring arm will focus on tailor-made and escorted tours with higher price points and detailed itineraries.

Product for both areas will be a mix of tour-operator packages and dynamically-packed trips sold under Barrhead’s Atol.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, sales and marketing director at Barrhead Travel, said: "There is no doubt that our desire to explore the world is higher than ever.

"Touring and adventure has always been a popular sector of the market – particularly for those ticking off bucket-list trips.

 
"Coming out of the pandemic, we realised that travellers are demanding more from their experiences and are looking to experts to help them plan – particularly when it comes to complex trips."