Dame Irene Hays, speaking at the 2026 Hays Travel Independence Group's UK conference on Monday (20 April), acknowledged the industry was enduring "yet another challenging time", admitting the situation in the Middle East was casting a shadow over the outlook for the remainder of the year.
Dame Irene Hays: Industry seeing 'early shoots' of recovery despite 'yet another challenging time' for travel'
Economy
Dea Jusufi
21 April 2026
Hays Travel is witnessing "the early shoots of a return to business" despite the mounting financial pressure the industry is facing after a turbulent start to the year, which has seen geopolitical tensions and cost-of-living concerns undermine demand.
(Credit: Hays Travel)
A missive from the White House could 'undermine' progress overnight, says Dame Irene (Credit: Hays Travel)
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