Explorer Travel Franchise hails homeworking growth under Hays

Homeworking franchise, Explorer Travel, said it has “flourished” since being bought by Hays Travel two years ago.

Founded in 2005 as the first UK online franchise travel agency, Explorer Travel was acquired by Hays Travel for an undisclosed sum in June 2021.

Explorer’s 70 franchisees joined the Hays Travel Group and owner Steve Wood left the travel industry to pursue other interests.

Now called Explorer Travel Franchise together with Hays Travel, the brand is part of Hays’ homeworking division.

Its franchisees can choose to trade using the Explorer brand or to build their own identity.

Explorer Travel’s booking profit has increased by 353% compared to the pre-pandemic 2019-20 financial year, while agent numbers have seen 47% growth.

There are currently 101 Explorer Travel Franchise agents operating across 73 franchises.

More: Hays Travel acquires franchise firm Explorer Travel

Steven Reilly, head of Explorer Franchise, said: “Explorer Travel offers a choice of three investment levels designed to meet the needs of travel agents who are ready to start their own travel franchise business, with the flexibility of working from home.

“Our franchisees include people new to travel and people with a background in the industry and lots of experience who feel ready to establish their own business.

“All our franchisees have access tailored business development and admin support as well as Hays Travel’s excellent head office functions and some of the best commercial deals in the market.

“I am delighted with the growth that we have seen and with demand still high we expect to see this trend continue.”

As well as the Explorer Travel homeworking franchise model, Hays Travel intends to expand its high-street franchise offering over the next 12 months.

Current high street franchise partners are Hays Travel North West, John Stewart Travel and GJN in Middleton.