In recent years, Hays Travel has solidified its position as the UK's largest independent travel agent through several high-profile acquisitions. Most famously, in 2019, they took over the entire retail estate of Thomas Cook after its collapse, saving thousands of jobs. Following that success, Hays has continued to expand. In 2024, they acquired Miles Morgan Travel, a well-known agency in the South West and Wales. More recently, in July 2025, Hays Travel made a massive strategic move into the online cruise market by acquiring Victoria Travel Group, the parent company of cruise.co.uk and Seascanner. This was described as their most significant takeover since Thomas Cook. They also recently absorbed Spear Travels and Travel House, further growing their footprint across the UK high street and online travel sector.