Travel agent’s top four holiday hotspots this summer as Northern Ireland expansion continues

If you’re still planning a sunshine getaway and not sure exactly where to jet off to, help is at hand.

If you’re still planning a sunshine getaway this year and are unsure exactly where to jet off to, help is at hand. A leading local travel agent has revealed the four top holiday hotspots for sunseekers in Northern Ireland this summer as it continues its expansion in the region.

Barrhead Travel recently confirmed the opening of its third retail location will be in Northern Ireland’s largest shopping complex, Rushmere Shopping Centre, located in Craigavon.

Earlier this year, the group confirmed its intention to continue expanding in the region following the success of its Newtownabbey store, which launched at the end of 2024. The Abbey Centre store exceeded its annual target for 2025 during quarter one and has since expanded its team to meet demand.

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The Rushmere store becomes Barrhead Travel’s fourth Northern Ireland location. The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group first opened here back in 2017, when they unveiled a flagship store in Belfast’s Victoria Square shopping centre.

In 2022, Barrhead also expanded its operations by launching a remote team of agents, based in Coleraine.

According to Barrhead Travel NI sales data, the top selling destinations for local holidaymakers this summer have included:

1. Majorca
2. Turkey
3. Tenerife
4. Benidorm

Lisa Hamill, Northern Ireland Regional Sales Manager, told Belfast Live: “Majorca is still number one. The Balearic Islands are absolutely flying high, and that would be for those shorter durations – people are flying out on a Friday, coming home on a Monday and absolutely loving Majorca for the short flights and transfers it can offer.

“All airports in Turkey are absolutely still up there at number two for us, especially Dalaman, Antalya and Bodrum. Turkish lira rates are really helping there too so it’s been at an all-time high. Tenerife for the Canary Islands is hands down still winning and surprise or not, Benidorm at number four. Everybody loves a Benidorm break, so it’s still up there as well.”

Lisa added: “People in Northern Ireland are still very trusting of their local travel agent for planning and we haven’t seen the same online demand as high as perhaps Scotland, England. People here still very much want their local travel agency, the faces that they know. and expert advice so yes, they still want to come in and book a holiday.

“There has been absolutely no slowing down at all and there’s also definitely been a late market this year so perhaps people hadn’t planned ahead in advance. Then we got a touch of the good weather recently and then straight after that, when it finished, we saw a late booking season.

“Customers are happy to go within the next 2-3 days and that’s not been heard of for a while so they’re very much ready to pack up and go. When we put up social media posts, like, get the suitcase and passport ready, customers are booking.”

Due to open in late September, the £1.1m Craigavon store investment reinforces Barrhead Travel’s commitment to the region as it prioritises a “contemporary” retail experience in high footfall shopping areas. Six full-time positions have been created for the initial opening with further opportunities expected as the store matures.

Rushmere Shopping Centre is one of Northern Ireland’s premier shopping destinations with more than 70 brands within the complex. The Barrhead Travel store will be prominently positioned at the east entrance, close to the Post Office.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, Managing Director at Barrhead Travel, said: “Opening in Rushmere Shopping Centre is a very exciting move for us. It’s a phenomenal centre with high quality footfall and we’re expecting it to be a busy store.

“Northern Ireland is presenting us with a real opportunity to grow our retail footprint. Rushmere will complement our existing network in the region, strengthening our brand presence even further as we look to progress with further expansion.

“Our Northern Ireland teams have a loyal client following as people seek the services of an agent they truly trust. The ongoing demand for an agent is on the rise as holidaymakers prioritise getting value-for-money, expert advice, and guaranteed financial protection.”

Recruitment is ongoing for the final few positions. The group is keen to hear from individuals who are passionate about customer service and have experience in travel. Email recruitment@barrheadtravel.co.uk for more information.

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