Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, has announced record sales, reaching a total transaction value (TTV) of £3 billion for the first time in its 45-year history. To celebrate this achievement, the company will provide its 4,500 employees with a financial reward, paying £100 for each year of service.

Dame Irene Hays, owner and Chair of Hays Travel, attributed the company's success to its employees, stating: “Our success is down to our people, which is why achieving this £3billion milestone is an opportunity to demonstrate just how much their excellent work and unwavering loyalty are appreciated.”

Lenore Mason, General Manager for Recruitment and People Services, who has been with the company for 37 years, expressed her gratitude, saying: “This is my 37th year with Hays Travel - I feel so fortunate to work alongside brilliant people, for a company that values me and has continued to grow in the region where I grew up.”

The company's financial performance has shown consistent growth. In the year ending 30 April 2024, Hays Travel reported a TTV of £2.55 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year’s £2.19 billion, with a group profit before tax of £73.4 million. The company reached £500 million in TTV in 2012, £1 billion in 2018, and £2 billion in 2024.

Hays Travel has expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Thomas Cook’s 555 branches in 2019, the Explorer Franchise in 2021, Just Go’s 45 North West branches, Travel House’s 16 shops in South Wales in 2023, three Holiday With Us branches in Lincolnshire, and 19 Miles Morgan Travel shops in the South West and South Wales in 2024.