‘Buzzing’ Davina McCall hails agents at Hays Travel conference

Hays Travel brand ambassador Davina McCall told agents at the group’s annual conference in Greece that she felt “lucky” to spend time with them and predicted that the trade would become even more important as AI develops.

McCall, who revealed on Saturday that she recently underwent surgery for breast cancer, spoke on stage about the health challenges she has faced.

The former Big Brother presenter, who had a brain tumour removed last year, said life can be “really difficult” and she hailed the support that people can offer each other in times of need.

Reflecting on the moment she arrived at the Hays Travel conference, she said: “I looked around and thought, ‘I’m lucky to be here’. I’m so grateful.”

She told agents: “I love what you do, and I love the atmosphere you foster – and I’ve never enjoyed greeting people so much while they’re walking into a room. I’ve been buzzing for the last 48 hours.”

She praised agents for being “people people” and highlighted the level of demand for face-to-face transactions.

“You have no idea how important it is for the general public to be able to look somebody in the eyeballs and know that you get them,” she said.

She added: “You are people people, and you want to make people feel good about themselves and you like that connection.

“That is what people yearn for, and that is something AI can never give us. You’re not going to book me some ridiculous holiday that either I can’t afford or I don’t want.”

She said she spends “half her life” on the phone asking to speak to a human being, adding: “That’s what you are. You are the people. And I think that’s only going to become more important.”