Barrhead Travel’s president, Jacqueline Dobson, was last night presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award at the prestigious Agent Achievement Awards in London.

The 24^th annual awards ceremony, hosted by Travel Weekly, celebrates excellence within the travel industry by presenting awards to agents and travel suppliers. Over 850 key industry personnel were in attendance at this year’s glitzy black-tie gala held at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

The Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award is panel-selected by industry experts and recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the travel and leisure sector within the UK.

Scottish-based Barrhead Travel also scooped the award for Best Large Agency in Scotland for the nineteenth year in a row.

Dobson said: “I’m absolutely shocked and speechless. I can’t believe it. To be nominated for this award by my colleagues from within the industry is really special. This is the best industry to be a part of and it has the best people in it, I just love it. Plus, for Barrhead Travel to win the award for Best Travel Agency in Scotland for the nineteenth year in a row, voted for by our travel partners, is wonderful and it is testament to our commitment to provide the best possible experience for our customers.”

“I started off with Barrhead Travel when we had just 60 staff and now, we have over 70 stores throughout the UK. It is a really exciting time to be a part of Barrhead Travel and I am very proud of our colleagues across the UK – without their hard work and genuine dedication we wouldn’t be in a position to win these amazing awards.”

The travel group recently announced plans for further investment in its people development and training division as it recruits for the newly-created position of Head of People Development.