Knaresborough shop shares in glory of 'proud' national award win for Hays Travel
An iconic family-owned travel agents with a popular branch in Knaresborough has been named the country’s High Street Agency of the Year.
The UK’s largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel has more than 500 branches, including one located at 29B High Street in Knaresborough.
The award-winning independent company received 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 for the business.
Parent company, Hays Travel, was originally founded in Sunderland in 1980.
The Hays Travel branch in Knaresborough became part of the company as part of it massive acquisition of the Thomas Cook retail estate.
Dame Irene Hays said: “Our customers are at the very heart of our business and we are delighted to be listed in the top ten 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 awards, which are judged by travel industry experts, rounded off a successful week for Hays Travel.
The company also placed seventh in the July all-sector UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), making it the highest-ranked travel agency in the country’s largest study of customer service performance.
Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Hays Travel, said: “We are committed to the high street, so to pick up so many awards was amazing.
"Dame Irene and I are so proud of everyone across the Hays Travel group.”
Hays Travel is committed to training and developing its people, which include more than 600 apprentices and graduates.
Over the years, Hays Travel Foundation has donated more than £2.3 million to help young people reach their potential in health, sport, the arts, and education.
Each year every branch receives £500 to invest in local causes.