Britons' growing appetite for holidays, particularly to long-haul destinations, has delivered a significant profit boost for independent travel giant Hays Travel.
The Sunderland-based company, which operates a vast network of 530 branches and employs more than 4,800 people, has seen its financial fortunes rise sharply. Newly filed accounts reveal that turnover climbed to £506.6 million for the year ending April 2025, up from £457.4 million the previous year.
Operating profits followed suit, increasing from £60.3 million to £64.5 million.
Strategic Balance Drives Success
Company leadership attributes this robust performance to a deliberate strategy of balancing its portfolio between short-haul, long-haul, and cruise holidays. This approach has successfully captured the current market trend where consumers are not only travelling more frequently but are also willing to journey further for their experiences.
A clear indicator of the firm's health is that approximately 30% of its customers during the year were new to the group. Hays Travel credits this influx to a steadfast focus on customer service and the ongoing, healthy demand for holidays, which consumers continue to view as an essential part of their lives.
Multi-Channel Growth and Expansion
The group's success is spread across its various sales channels, which include its high street branches, a call centre operation, and a network for homeworkers. The homeworking division proved particularly dynamic, with its turnover growing by more than 12%.
Additionally, the foreign exchange arm of the business saw its turnover rise to £26.6 million, up from £25.9 million.
Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, commented on the results: "We are pleased to see our clear strategy is having a positive impact on our balance sheet. We are fiercely proud of our independence, which allows us to offer our customers the best choice and value."
She also highlighted the role of recent acquisitions, noting the purchase of Miles Morgan Travel last year and, since the year-end, the acquisitions of Inspearational Travels Limited, Victoria Travel Limited, and John Stewart Travel Limited, plus a 35% stake in Ocean Holidays. The group is actively pursuing further acquisition opportunities as it aims to become the UK's most profitable privately-owned travel company.
A Cautious Outlook for the Future
Despite the strong results, Dame Irene struck a note of caution for the year ahead. She indicated that rising cost pressures, coupled with continued investment in technology and acquisitions, make it unlikely that such strong profits will be repeated next year.
She added, "Our customers are as keen as ever to invest in precious time with family and loved ones, with many trying a cruise or travelling further afield to long-haul destinations to experience more of the world." Dame Irene also extended her thanks to the company's employees for their role in delivering expert service and reassurance to customers.
