Hays Travel sets sail with purpose at annual Cruise Conference

More than 85 agents from across the Hays Travel group were welcomed aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne for the agency’s annual Cruise Conference.

The four-day voyage – which set sail from Southampton and called at Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Zeebrugge in Belgium – was held over the weekend to give colleagues the chance to network with trade suppliers and further develop their knowledge of the sector.

Attendees enjoyed a packed itinerary, featuring insightful presentations and breakout sessions on the latest cruise updates.

Guests also experienced the luxury Cunard is renowned for during the evening entertainment programme. This included cocktail parties, a glamorous gala night and exclusive live performances.

Dame Irene Hays, Owner and Director of Hays Travel, said: “Cruise Conference is such an important occasion in the Hays Travel calendar, particularly as the sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

“Events like this are invaluable as they allow colleagues to expand their expertise by immersing themselves in the full experience, just as a customer would. I’m hugely grateful to Cunard for their exceptional hospitality.

“The feedback from our agents has been excellent, and I know they have taken so much from the networking opportunities on board Queen Anne.”

Catriona Parsons, Hays Travel’s Head of Cruise, added: “This year’s conference theme was ‘Setting Sail with Purpose’, and that is exactly what we did. It was wonderful to spend time and share ideas with colleagues and valued trade suppliers over the weekend.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all our partners at Cunard, AmaWaterways, Azamara Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Scenic and Emerald, Seabourn Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Viking, and Vista for joining our journey and making the event so memorable.”