Nicole Haywood, Barrhead Travel; Karl Thompson, managing director, Sandals Resorts UK; Bill Munro, chairman of Barrhead Travel; and Kimberley Ainsley, Barrhead Travel

Travel industry giants, Sandals Resorts and Barrhead Travel, have joined forces with the introduction of ten co-branded stores across Scotland.

To officially mark the launch of this collaboration, a grand opening ceremony took place at Barrhead Travel’s Superstore in Glasgow.

Karl Thompson, managing director for Sandals Resorts for the UK & Europe and Bill Munro, chairman of Barrhead Travel both made a special appearance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and were joined by Kimberley Ainslie and Nicole Haywood from the Barrhead Travel Superstore.

The co-branded stores are going to be in place for the next 18 months and each will have a dedicated Sandals specialist on hand to deal with all enquiries.

Each specialist will wear branded uniform and have co-branded business cards.

In-store Sandals branding will consist of branded desks, TV screen, window display cards and wall arches.

Barrhead Travel’s Superstore in Glasgow even features a mock-up of one the Caribbean company’s infamous Rondoval “Love Nest” suites, giving visitors a chance to experience a slice of the luxury hotel chain’s romantic suite offering.

Gary Atwell, Sandals Resorts business development manager for the Scottish region is delighted to be teaming up with Barrhead Travel on this opportunity. 

“I have worked closely with Barrhead Travel over the past 14 years, developing the Sandals brand and helping to create a strong and successful business relationship that has resulted in the continued growth of Sandals bookings year on year,” Atwell explained.

“This new co-branded partnership is the perfect way to boost our mutual growth in Scotland.” 

Atwell will be working closely with all of the co-branded stores and their dedicated Sandals Specialists to ensure they are fully trained on the Sandals product,
offer guidance and support, as well as supplying them with Sandals collateral for the stores, to help maximise their sales.

Through this partnership, customers will receive a combination of award-winning travel advice, knowledge and luxury holiday product that both companies are renowned for within the industry.