Nick Longman, managing director UK and Ireland, said 28-year-old Hayes, who was assistant manager at Tui’s Chapel Street branch in Southport, “will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues and customers”.
Hayes died after being attacked in the shop at around 1.25pm on Saturday afternoon (January 13) with a post-mortem examination later establishing she had passed away as a result of shock and haemorrhaging from a throat injury.
Andrew Burke, 30, of Vincent Street, St Helens, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon.
He was remanded in custody until February 19 when he is expected to enter a plea.
Longman said the Chapel Street store would remain closed for the “foreseeable future” and Tui would be offering counselling to staff and customers affected by the incident.
“At an appropriate time, if they wish to do so, I will meet with Cassie’s partner and Cassie’s family to give our condolences in person and assure them of our ongoing support,” he said.
“We have also put in place our death in service processes, which provides both practical and emotional support to her family in the short, medium and long-term.”
Hayes worked for Tui for almost 12½ years, during which she worked in a number of stores as a travel consultant in the Newcastle and Liverpool areas.
She had been part of the Chapel Street store team since 2008 and was promoted to assistant manager in February 2015.
Longman added: “I have been overwhelmed by the support and care expressed by many throughout the travel industry, it’s at times like this you realise what a close community we are and how deeply the events of the weekend have shaken us all.”
