The Hays family made the headlines in 2019 when they bought all 555 former Thomas Cook shops, re-employing 2,500 former Cook staff who had been made redundant following the travel giant’s collapse.
Since John Hays’ passing in November 2020, Dame Irene has taken over a more prominent role in the company, becoming the face of Hays Travel and overseeing its expansion and growth.
Over the past 44 years, Hays Travel has in fact become one of the biggest family-owned companies in the country as well as the UK’s largest independent travel agent.
Earlier this year, Hays Travel announced it had tripled its profits to almost £52 million in the 12 months ended 30 April 2023. According to Dame Irene, the listing was due to Hays Travel’s “conservative financial management”.
“Retaining cash in the business enabled us to acquire Thomas Cook and the four acquisitions we have made since, as well as investing in our people, and our 490 branches across the UK,” she said.
“We remain committed to utilising the funds within the business to support the people who have helped to build Hays Travel, our customers, and the communities where we operate through our Hays Travel Charitable Foundation and our Community Partnerships.”
The company made the headlines earlier this month when it announced the acquisition of Miles Morgan Travel.
