Sunderland-based Hays Travel is named Agency of the Year at Agent Achievement Awards
Sunderland-based Hays Travel has been named the country’s Agency of the Year
The United Kingdom’s largest independent travel agent, which has more than 500 branches and is owned by Dame Irene Hays, scooped the top accolade at the coveted Agent Achievement Awards in London.
As well as being named High Street Agency of the Year (Large), Hays Travel was also crowned Touring and Adventure Agency of the Year and won the Northern England Large Agency, Southern England Large Agency and Central England and Wales Large Agency awards in a memorable evening.
Chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston said: “What an incredible night we had.
“To pick up so many awards is amazing and Dame Irene and I are so proud of everyone across the Hays Travel group.
“We are committed to the high street, so to be named High Street Agency of the Year is extra special for us.”
The awards, which are judged by travel industry experts, rounded off a successful week for Hays Travel.
The company was placed seventh in the July all-sector UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), making it the highest-ranked travel agency in the country’s largest and longest-running study of customer service performance.
Dame Irene said: “Our customers are at the very heart of our business, and we are delighted to be listed in the top 10 for satisfaction alongside so many household names.
“We pride ourselves on the friendly approach, backed by expertise and personal service, that our customers know they can trust. I’m very proud of all our people for everything they do to achieve this.”
The company, whose headquarters are in Keel Square, employs more than 4,800 staff.