NEWS


CONFERENCE


Hays invites IG agents to champion touring holidays


H


ays Travel is urging its Independence Group agents to apply to become “touring ambassadors”


as part of a dedicated sales push. The move follows the


appointment of 24 ambassadors in Hays Travel stores in February, with staff invited to apply based on their interest in touring, and the creation of dedicated touring and long-haul commercial manager roles in the group’s head office commercial team. At the start of the year, Georgina


Why, previously commercial assistant manager, was appointed to the new role of touring and specialist manager, and Katharine Dunwoodie, formerly commercial assistant, became the first long-haul manager. They are tasked with stepping up commercial activity to promote


Just by investing


in our touring team, it’s sent a message to suppliers that we’re taking this seriously


touring and long-haul holidays as the group seeks to reduce reliance on mainstream, short-haul product. Agents acting as ambassadors


will receive extra training, focused on suppliers within the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers, and attend dedicated touring days at Hays’ head office to broaden their knowledge and ability to sell tours. Head of commercial Claire


Gibson said: “This is a group [of staff ambassadors] who will hear


first-hand of campaigns. They will form part of the communications system and we’ll give them access to touring training modules.” Gibson said the ambassador role


was open to any Hays Travel IG agents, and there was no set target for the number who sign up. “We welcome anybody who wants to learn,” she said. The focus on touring was already


starting to pay off, she said, adding: “Just by investing in our touring team for commercial, it’s sent a message to suppliers that we’re taking this seriously, and they’re giving us exclusive commercial rates.” Currently, Hays Travel IG


accounts for 16% of touring business


for the overall Hays group, based on passenger numbers, and 17% of touring sales. The group plans this month


to launch a 2025 touring calendar listing supplier launches, campaigns, promotions and the best times to promote different tours to ensure a “constant focus” year-round. The group is also investing in


monthly destination activity to push long-haul sales year-round. Gibson added: “We have a


12-month marketing plan and a destination focus for each month. We will get exclusive discounts and incentives to make sure the destination focuses are a success.”


Company offers members interest-free loans to pursue growth plans


Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Hays Travel, and Mel Robson, Mel’s Travel


Hays Travel Independence Group members are being encouraged to bid for funding from Hays Travel and not “suffer in silence”. Hays Travel bosses told IG agents the


company could offer them interest-free loans to pursue growth plans, ease cashflow or start new initiatives, avoiding the need to approach banks for costly funding support. The group has given out £11.7 million in


loans to IG businesses in the past year. But it said many members had not been


aware of the help available to open new stores, pay for refurbishments, launch disruptive campaigns or expand into new markets. Chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall- Johnston said the company wanted to let


12 10 APRIL 2025


members “take advantage of the strength of the Hays Travel balance sheet” to achieve their aims. “I’d encourage members to come forward


with ideas,” he said. “We want to support you strategically. Don’t


feel like you are on your own and don’t suffer in silence. The challenges around investment in IG have been unlocking that growth.” He stressed loans could be approved within seven days. Businesses that have already taken advantage


of funding opportunities include Mel’s Travel, which wanted help to open a second shop on the high street, and Viva Holidays, which wanted to start selling to consumers in the US. Mel’s Travel owner Mel Robson said: “My advice is to reach out to Hays and try it.”


travelweekly.co.uk


Claire Gibson; inset, Georgina Why (top) and Katharine Dunwoodie


Hays Travel IG Conference 2025: Juliet Dennis reports from Chester


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