There are 700 retail branch mangers, assistant managers and head office colleagues invited to the five-day Retail Conference in Antalya, Turkey. 

This comes after Hays acquired all the former Cook shops around the country for just over £6 million. 

“Our conferences are legendary but this one is going to be really special and on a scale we’ve never done before,” said Jane Schumm, retail and training director for Hays Travel.

“Even the branch managers who’ve been before are in for some surprises. It’s action-packed with really useful information for branch managers to take back to the business, and there’s the chance to share experiences and learn from what’s happening at branches all over the country.”

It will take place from 12-16 November.  

Schumm said there will be supplier matchmaking events, networking opportunities and workshops with senior managers. 

Donna Payne, manager of a Hays Travel branch in Glasgow and former Cook employee of 37 years, said: “I can’t wait to get to speak to all the other managers and especially to meet John and Irene because it is just amazing what they have done for us all.

“It will be so useful to hear everyone’s stories and how they have transitioned from Thomas Cook to Hays Travel so far.”