Founded in 1992, the business – which has more than 20 branches across south Wales and is headquartered in Swansea – confirmed the move on Thursday (28 September).

It has become part of Hays IG’s managed services programme, which group managing director Jacob Hughes claimed would allow Travel House staff to redouble their focus on sales by centralising back office functions.

“At a time when the travel industry is facing so much uncertainty, partnering with the Hays Travel Independence Group has been fantastic," he said. "We look forward to working with Hays and building a successful working relationship as travel begins to take off again."

Head of business development, Kate Bowen, said the transition had been "seamless"; it comes after the Hays IG support team spent a fortnight in Swansea meeting with The Travel House team and providing training to more than 90 employees.

Leanne Williams, one of The Travel House’s senior branch managers, said the training had allayed any concerns about the switch, adding staff were excited to get to grips with, and selling, Hays Travel Tour Operating product, which she said would make the agency "even more competitive on the high street".

Natasha Marson, head of Hays IG, said: "They have been a real pleasure to train and spend time with, and I am confident that they will continue to grow and be successful.”