Hays Travel stands at the forefront of fostering collaborative environments and promoting strategic development. At the helm is Dame Irene Hays, guiding a skilled team during the much-anticipated annual overseas retail conference in Turkey. As 700 delegates head to this grand event, the focus is on innovation, team building, and celebrating success.
This gathering brings expertise from across the UK under one roof, facilitating a blend of professional insight and community spirit. By engaging directly with her staff, Dame Irene displays hands-on leadership, essential for tackling emerging challenges and capitalising on new opportunities in the travel industry.
Dame Irene Hays Enhances Check-in Experience
At the heart of an inclusive and interactive experience, Dame Irene Hays, owner of Hays Travel, played an integral role in greeting and assisting over 700 delegates. Standing alongside branch managers and staff at Newcastle airport, she ensured smooth operations for flights to Antalya, Turkey. Her presence underscored a commitment to staff engagement and well-being, reflecting a hands-on leadership style that is both rare and appreciated in the travel industry. Her proactive approach not only emphasises operational excellence but also highlights her dedication to connecting with her team.
A Grand Scale Event
The annual overseas retail conference is a landmark event for Hays Travel, held this year at the prestigious Ela Excellence Resort Belek in Turkey. The theme, ‘In it for the long haul’, directs focus on long-term vision and sustainability within the company. This significant gathering serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, team building, and celebrating achievements from the past year.
To accommodate attendees, four specially chartered Jet2holidays aircraft were dispatched from key locations: Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. The presence of multiple flights highlights the scale and importance placed on this event, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone in Hays Travel’s annual calendar.
Jet2holidays’ Integral Role
A key partner in this endeavour, Jet2holidays provided the necessary logistics support with four chartered flights, ensuring efficient and reliable travel for all attendees. Such partnerships demonstrate the importance of strategic alliances in the travel sector, facilitating seamless transitions from domestic to international events.
Dame Irene highlighted her appreciation for Jet2holidays, describing their contribution as crucial to the success of the conference. Her gratitude extended to the staff at Newcastle international airport, along with teams from Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol, whose coordinated efforts exemplified operational prowess. Partnerships of this nature underscore the collaborative spirit vital for industry success.
Setting the Stage at Ela Excellence Resort Belek
The Ela Excellence Resort Belek offers an idyllic backdrop for this gathering. Renowned for its world-class amenities and service, it provides an enriching environment for delegates to engage and unwind. The resort’s facilities support both the professional and recreational aspects of the conference, ensuring a balanced experience.
Hosting such a conference at the resort not only highlights Hays Travel’s commitment to quality but also reinforces their ambition to provide their employees with exceptional professional development opportunities. This venue choice reflects a strategic decision to emphasise luxury and innovation, aligning with the company’s forward-thinking ethos and the conference’s overarching theme.
Forging Connections Across the UK
Bringing together branch managers from across the UK, this conference serves as a crucial touchpoint for Hays Travel. The interaction between teams fosters collaboration, sharing of best practices, and the building of stronger organisational ties. It is a testament to Hays Travel’s focus on unity and cohesion as fundamental elements of their operational strategy.
Dame Irene’s involvement at the ground level is a testament to her commitment to nurturing these connections. Her engagement with staff across various branches exemplifies a leadership style that prioritises open communication and mutual support. Such efforts are pivotal in maintaining morale and inspiring collective progress towards common goals.
Innovation and Vision in Focus
Under the theme ‘In it for the long haul’, the conference prioritises discussions on innovation, sustainability and the future landscape of the travel industry. It presents an opportunity for delegates to explore emerging trends and develop strategies that align with global shifts.
The focus extends to leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. By fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation, the conference positions Hays Travel at the forefront of industry evolution. This proactive approach underscores their commitment to maintaining a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market.
In summary, the event is more than just a meeting; it’s a strategic initiative aimed at fortifying Hays Travel’s market position and ensuring its longevity through visionary leadership and innovative practices.
Recognising Efforts and Achievements
A highlight of the conference is the recognition of outstanding contributions by branch managers and staff. This ceremony serves to acknowledge individual and team efforts that have propelled Hays Travel forward.
Dame Irene has expressed, “Our overseas conference is a highlight of the year – it’s when we can connect with our branch managers from across the UK all under one roof, to thank them for their excellent work caring for our customers.” Such recognition motivates teams and enhances overall satisfaction and loyalty.
These accolades are a reminder of the value Hays Travel places on its employees, reinforcing the notion that each member’s contribution is vital to the company’s success.
Supporting Growth and Development
The annual conference plays an essential role in the professional development of attendees. Through workshops, panels, and discussions, delegates gain insights into industry advancements and strategies for personal growth.
By participating in such events, Hays Travel staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet future challenges. Such initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
The conference not only supports personal development but also aligns with Hays Travel’s broader goals of strengthening their workforce and enhancing service delivery.
The Impact of In-person Meetings
Despite the rise of digital communication, the value of in-person conferences remains undeniable. They offer unique opportunities for networking and forming meaningful professional relationships that digital platforms cannot replicate.
Such gatherings allow for real-time dialogue and collaboration, essential for addressing industry challenges and innovating solutions. The face-to-face interaction at Hays Travel’s conference enables a deeper understanding and connection among staff, promoting a cohesive work environment.
The strategic importance of these meetings is clear, as they facilitate direct engagement, immediate feedback, and spontaneous ideation, crucial for fostering innovative thinking and agile responses.
The annual conference not only strengthens organisational ties but also inspires innovation. Hays Travel continues to set benchmarks in the travel sector through dedicated leadership and strategic collaboration.
