The pandemic has been hard on the travel industry, with many travel agencies forced to shut down as travel restrictions continue to cripple the sector. Losses have been extensive, and it could take years before the industry recovers fully. However, amidst all the bleak news, Hays Travel claims to be the largest independent travel agency in the UK, and this is a significant feat given the current situation.
The company has had a tumultuous experience throughout the pandemic. Still, despite the challenges faced, they have emerged as a resilient survivor, even after the abrupt ending of 178-year-old travel giant, Thomas Cook, that led to the loss of about 9,000 jobs.
Hays Travel has always been a family-run business with a long-standing history. The company started in 1980 with just one travel agency shop. The company’s patriarch, John Hays, opened the first shop in Durham after returning from a family holiday where he was disappointed with the service of his travel agent and determined to offer something better. The company has since expanded, acquiring over 50 stores as it continues to grow.
Apart from their resilience, Hays Travel has an excellent reputation for offering budget-friendly and customized travel services. They also have a substantial online presence and are known for their emphasis on providing face-to-face service as demanded by their customers. Their branches are located in various towns across the UK, making them easily accessible for their customers.
In 2019, Hays Travel acquired all of Thomas Cook’s retail premises, making them the largest independent travel agency in the UK. Before the acquisition, Hays Travel had about 160 branches, then added another 555 former Thomas Cook shops, more than tripling their outlets across the country. The acquisition took Hays Travel’s workforce from 1,900 to over 4,500, providing hope for the Thomas Cook employees who lost their jobs.
Despite their sizeable acquisition, Hays Travel is currently experiencing the effect of the pandemic on the travel industry. The company’s CEO, John Hays, acknowledges the harsh effect of the pandemic and how it has impacted their business. They were forced to lay off about a third of their workforce to help cut costs.
However, the company remains optimistic about its future. They are banking on the possibility of further government aid that could help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on their business. Recently, the UK government issued new restrictions on travel as Covid-19 cases surged across the UK. Still, Hays Travel is optimistic that the restrictions will be lifted soon, and customers can begin to travel again.
In addition to their optimism, Hays Travel has continued to demonstrate resilience by extending their expertise to other areas of travel. They recently launched Hays Faraway, an arm of the business that focuses on long-haul destinations, providing customized packages that can cater to the needs of their clients.
Hays Faraway caters to various destinations, including the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, all of which require considerable attention to detail to ensure a smooth travel experience. The launch of Hays Faraway shows the company’s commitment to diversifying their offerings and extending their reach to various segments of the industry.
In summary, Hays Travel’s performance during these challenging times is not something to be overlooked. Even as travel agencies have struggled to survive amid the pandemic’s restrictions, they have managed to adapt, grow, and diversify in response to these unusual circumstances. Their acquisition of Thomas Cook’s retail premises has contributed to their continued success, and their recent launch of Hays Faraway demonstrates their willingness to adapt to new opportunities.
While the current pandemic has resulted in significant job losses within the industry, it is positive to see companies like Hays Travel becoming more resilient in the face of adversity. As we look forward to a time when travel restrictions are lifted, it is reasonable to assume that Hays Travel will play a significant role in reinvigorating the travel sector with its reach and expertise.
In conclusion, as the largest independent travel agency in the UK, Hays Travel claims are not to be ignored, and one must recognize their efforts in staying afloat, adapting, and expanding in today’s difficult times. They are a source of inspiration for other travel agencies, highlighting the need for resilience, diversification, and a willingness to adapt to new opportunities. As we navigate the pandemic’s challenging times, Hays Travel shows us that it is still possible to come out on the other side.