For the first time, finalists will be interviewed face-to-face by Dame Irene and a TTG Media/Hays Travel panel ahead of the award, which is once again being presented at the Travel Industry Awards by TTG 2024, taking place at Magazine London on 26 September.
Besides receiving the trophy, this year’s winner will be invited to participate in at least four business advice sessions with members of the Hays Travel board following the awards, and to address the TTG 30 Under 30, among other additional benefits.
Entries are now open for the accolade, with the entry criteria widened to include any travel entrepreneur who has established a successful travel outfit.
Entrants must be the founder or co-founder of their business and be able to demonstrate how they have innovated to built their company, how they have delivered sustainable growth and how they have set their business up for the future.
This year’s winner will be selected following a face-to-face interview with a panel featuring Hays Travel owner Dame Irene, TTG Media CEO Daniel Pearce and other members of Hays Travel’s senior team at Hays HQ in Sunderland in September.
The John Hays Entrepreneur Award was established in 2021 in tribute to one of travel’s greatest pioneers, John Hays, founder of the UK’s largest independent travel agency Hays Travel.
Every year, it aims to recognise the true entrepreneurial spirit of an outstanding personality or personalities who have disrupted the travel industry.
Previous winners of the John Hays Entrepreneur of the Year Award have included James Cole of Panache Cruises (2021), Adam Sebba, Nicholas Priest and Ed Hicks of The Luminaire (2022), and Alice and Georgia Aubrey (2023), co-founders of Lovetovisit.com.
WIN EXPERT ADVICE TO ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS
Members of Hays Travel’s board will offer at least four business advice sessions to the John Hays Entrepreneur Award recipient in the 12 months following the award being presented.
DAME IRENE HAYS, chair and owner
Dame Irene has expertise in strategy, helping businesses grow through investment, advice and back-office services, and encouraging young people to succeed in the travel industry.
JONATHON WOODALL-JOHNSTON, chief operating officer
A highly regarded negotiator with astute financial acumen and a former member of the TTG 30 Under 30, Jonathon has been instrumental in driving Hays Travel’s growth.
KEN CAMPLING, group financial director
A chartered accountant, Ken ran finance departments for several SMEs before working with Sports Direct.com and Bannantyne Fitness Group, and then Hays Travel.
JANE SCHUMM, retail director
Jane has 39 years’ service in travel sales, with experience of all aspects of the selling journey from front-line customer through to operational efficiencies.
LISA McAULEY, director of strategy
Lisa has worked in roles spanning cruise, touring, ski and tour operating across 35 years in travel, and has expertise in strategy, sales, marketing and leadership.
JO RZYMOWSKA, non-executive director
A passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in business, Jo has held senior roles at Thomas Cook, Disney Destinations and Royal Caribbean Group. She was recognised by TTG Media as LGBT Trailblazer of the Year at the Travel Industry Awards by TTG 2022.
HELEN MILFORD, non-executive director
Helen has held executive roles with five blue-chip retail businesses, and has wide-raning experience in retail, business transformation, customer experience, people and high-performing teams.
To enter the John Hays Entrepreneur Award, please visit travelindustryawards.com
