The John Hays Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be an annual accolade, the first of which will be presented at the all-new Travel Industry Awards by TTG on 30 September.

In a year like no other, entrepreneurs have sprung up across the travel sector, making their mark through their limitless ambition, dynamism and innovative thinking.

And in tribute to one of travel’s greatest pioneers and entrepreneurs, John Hays, founder of the UK’s largest independent travel agency Hays Travel, the John Hays Entrepreneur of the Year Award will recognise the true entrepreneurial spirit of an outstanding personality who has disrupted the travel industry.

The award is open to all entrepreneurs across the sector who started their business since the beginning of 2020. (Award criteria will be published in June).

A shortlist will be announced in summer, with the overall winner selected by a judging panel comprising Dame Irene Hays and TTG Media.

Dame Irene Hays will then present the accolade to the winning individual at The Travel Industry Awards by TTG on 30 September.

Commenting, Dame Irene Hays said: “John was well respected for the advice he gave to people who had a business idea. He would spend hours on the phone or at conferences talking with people about their ideas. Many people wrote to me last November saying how his advice had helped them.

“He liked nothing more than poring over the proposals for members of the Hays Travel Independence Group to grow their business and particularly respected their entrepreneurial ideas.

“Over the years he has helped and supported hundreds of people and was always delighted when they went on to succeed and achieve great things.

“I’m sure John would be really pleased that this award will be presented in his name."

The award will be based on criteria including business growth, innovation and company philosophy - full details will be announced in June.

Please click here to register your interest