Hays Travel has been crowned the UK’s High Street Travel Agency of the Year after a successful night at one of the travel industry’s biggest annual awards.

The independent travel company, which has more than 530 branches across the UK including several in the Highlands and Islands, collected five awards at the Agent Achievement Awards in London.

Alongside the High Street Agency of the Year award in the large agency category, Hays Travel was recognised for its expertise in touring and adventure holidays and also picked up regional awards across northern England, southern England and central England and Wales.

The awards are judged by travel industry experts and recognise excellence across the UK’s travel sector.

The latest success follows another strong week for the company after it was ranked the highest placed travel agency in the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index, one of the country’s longest running measures of customer service.

Chief Operating Officer Jonathon Woodall Johnston said:

“What an incredible night we had.

“To pick up so many awards is amazing and Dame Irene and I are so proud of everyone across the Hays Travel group.

“We are committed to the high street, so to be named High Street Agency of the Year is extra special for us.”

Dame Irene Hays said the awards reflected the company’s focus on personal service and long term customer relationships.

She said:

“Our customers are at the very heart of our business, and we are delighted to be listed in the top ten for satisfaction alongside so many household names.

“We pride ourselves on the friendly approach, backed by expertise and personal service, that our customers know they can trust.

“I’m very proud of all our people for everything they do to achieve this.”

Hays Travel remains the UK’s largest independent travel agency, employing more than 4,800 people and operating from over 530 branches nationwide.

Alongside selling holidays, the family owned business continues to invest in apprenticeships, graduate programmes and local communities through branch fundraising and the Hays Travel Foundation, which has donated more than £2.3 million to projects supporting young people across the UK.