Founded in 2005 as the first UK-based travel franchise, it has flourished since being acquired by the UK’s largest independent travel agency in 2021.

 

The brand offers budding entrepreneurs who are ready to start their own business a route into the industry.

 

And since 2021, it has doubled in size – with 150 franchisees now on the books.

 

Steven Reilly, Hays Travel’s Head of Franchise and Customer Services, said: “We are incredibly proud of how our Explorer Franchise has grown.

 

“The brand has helped many entrepreneurs kickstart their career in travel by allowing them to work flexibly and remotely.

 

“It has given them the opportunity to reap the benefits of working with a large company like Hays Travel, all while receiving tailored support from people who know the industry inside out.

 

“We have seen many success stories from the Explorer Franchise, including developing a handful of million-pound sellers, and we are looking forward to continuing to support our franchisees as they develop their businesses.”

The Explorer Franchise sits within Hays Travel’s Homeworking division and members have access to guidance from an expert business development team.

 

Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “Whether it be through our award-winning apprenticeship scheme, our New to Travel programme or our Explorer Franchise, Hays Travel is committed to doing its bit to bring new blood and fresh ideas into the industry.

 

“The Explorer Franchise is now bigger than ever and has seen an incredible rise since 2021. That is testament to the hard work of our colleagues who have been committed to helping budding entrepreneurs take the first big step onto the business ladder.

 

“I am very proud of what the franchise has achieved in such a short space of time and can’t wait to see it flourish even further under the leadership of Steven and his business development team.”