The agency has announced that Saturday (13 January) was the best trading day in its 43-year history, surpassing the record reported a week prior on Sunshine Saturday (6 January). 

“Despite the ongoing cost of living challenges, we know that people are willing to prioritise their annual holidays over other non-essential spend,” said boss Dame Irene Hays on Monday (15 January).

“My thanks go to all our brilliant people in retail branches, our network of homeworking travel consultants, and our head office colleagues, who are working hard to look after our customers during this very busy time.”

Following the surge in bookings, Hays has also said that, over January, 90% of its branches will remain open on Sundays, with many working extended hours.

Dame Irene told TTG last week the market will experience a second peaks period just before the summer as
“there are some people who haven’t travelled who will have an appetite to do so this year.”

It comes as just last week Hays Travel announced the acquisition of Holiday with Us Group and its three stores in March, Spalding and Wisbech.