Hays Travel Independence Group (IG) has some “very good quality” potential recruits that would swell its ranks beyond the existing 109 members, according to Dame Irene Hays.
The chair of Hays Travel said the focus would always be on quality over quantity, with support given to candidates who produce strong business plans.
The IG conference in Leeds heard that 12 new members had joined in the last financial year.
More: Hays IG members told to maximise lates market
“If someone is brave enough to want to start their own business, we love empowering them to do that,” said Hays.
She added: “We have some very good quality leads we’re looking at and we’re very excited to see how many of those we can proceed with and hopefully we’ll see them at the next IG conference.”
Hays said positive feedback had been received from delegates who attended the gathering on March 5.
“Members really appreciated the top tips they can take away to try to ensure they have the best 2024,” said Hays.
The conference focused on the potential of the lates market, with Hays Travel describing lates as a second peak-selling period.
Hays said the company was spending “significantly more” on its lates campaign this year compared with previous years.
“We know from our data that many of our customers will travel in 2024 but they haven’t booked yet,” she said.
She added: “The period of consideration is shortening and people are holding onto their money for longer periods because of economic uncertainties, but perhaps also because of the belief they can get a bargain.
“That indicates there is going to be a bumper lates market because of the latent demand.”