The Hays Travel Independence Group (IG) has reported significant interest from high-calibre potential members. During the last financial year, 12 new agencies joined, bolstering the group’s robust growth.
Dame Irene Hays emphasised the company’s commitment to prioritising quality over quantity, ensuring that new members present strong business plans. The IG conference in Leeds highlighted these developments.
Commitment to Quality
According to Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, the focus remains on quality over quantity. Prospective candidates are supported thoroughly, provided they have solid business plans. “If someone is brave enough to want to start their own business, we love empowering them to do that,” stated Hays.
She expressed excitement about the potential new members, anticipating their presence at the next IG conference. This strategic approach aims to maintain the group’s high standards and ensure sustainable growth.
Recent Additions and Conference Highlights
The recent IG conference in Leeds shed light on the group’s expansion, with 12 new members joining in the last financial year. Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the actionable top tips shared during the event.
Hays mentioned that these insights are designed to help members achieve the best possible outcomes for 2024. The conference also discussed strategies to maximise opportunities in the lates market.
Focus on the Lates Market
Hays Travel has identified the lates market as a second peak-selling period. The company is investing significantly more in this area compared to previous years.
i>“We know from our data that many of our customers will travel in 2024, but they haven’t booked yet,” Hays explained.
Economic uncertainties are causing customers to hold onto their money longer, hoping for bargains, which could lead to a robust lates market due to latent demand. Hays Travel plans to leverage this opportunity to boost sales.
Economic Uncertainties and Consumer Behaviour
Consumers are currently experiencing a period of economic uncertainty, which is influencing their travel booking behaviours. Many are delaying their travel plans, holding out for potential bargains.
This trend highlights the importance of the lates market. With many customers waiting until the last minute to book their travels, the demand could potentially peak later in the year. This behaviour is taken into account in Hays Travel’s marketing strategy.
Empowerment Through Support
Dame Irene Hays reiterated the company’s dedication to empowering new business owners. “We have some very good quality leads we’re looking at and we’re very excited to see how many of those we can proceed with,” she said, indicating a rigorous vetting process for potential members.
The support extended to new members aims to ensure they thrive in their ventures, aligning with the group’s long-term goals of quality and sustainability.
This approach underlines Hays Travel’s commitment to fostering a community of successful, independent travel agencies.
Strategic Investment in Campaigns
Hays Travel is channelling more resources into its lates campaign this year compared to previous years, recognising the shifting customer behaviour and economic factors at play.
“The period of consideration is shortening, and people are holding onto their money for longer,” noted Hays, suggesting a significant potential for growth in last-minute bookings.
Investing in this campaign is seen as a strategic move to capture the predicted surge in late bookings.
Excitement Around Prospective Members
The prospect of welcoming high-quality new members has generated considerable excitement within the Hays Travel Independence Group.
This anticipation reflects the group’s optimism about future growth and the continued success of their strategic initiatives.
The Hays Travel Independence Group anticipates a period of significant growth, driven by strategic investments and an unwavering focus on quality. The group’s commitment to supporting new members with strong business plans underscores its dedication to sustainable development.
By leveraging the opportunities presented by the lates market and adapting to changing consumer behaviours, Hays Travel is well-positioned to achieve its goals for the upcoming year.
