Hays was awarded the damehood in the 2020 New Year’s Honours for services to training, education and young people.
She said she was "delighted and proud" to accept the honour on behalf of apprentices and trainers in the travel industry.
"Especially at Hays Travel," she continued, "where we have always supported and developed young people to be the best they can be and to get the most they can out of life.
"Young people have been the lifeblood of Hays Travel for over 40 years – and they are vital to our future."
