Explorer Travel
A franchise owned by Hays Travel since June 2021, priced at £2,995 for experienced agents and £5,995 for newcomers, with splits of 50–70% depending on package.
- Last reviewed 2026-09-21
- Not yet checked against the ABTA and ATOL registers
- Company website
The facts
| Model | Franchise |
|---|---|
| Cost to join | £2,995 (experienced) / £5,995 (new) |
| Ongoing fee | From £99/mo |
| Other fees | None recorded |
| Agent keeps | 50–70% by package |
| Financial protection | ABTA · ATOL |
| Agents in the network | 150+ (TG#11); the company site claims 400+ |
| Founded | Not published; described as trading 15+ years |
| Parent or owner | Hays Travel |
| Accepts newcomers | Yes |
What sets it apart
Describes itself as the only travel franchise owned by the UK’s largest independent travel agency; runs search-optimised niche websites.
Who it suits
Open to newcomers — the company’s stated position is “yes”.
You buy the right to trade under the brand. Expect an upfront fee, ongoing fees, and a defined commission share.
How customers’ money is protected
This matters to you as well as to your clients: it determines who is liable if a supplier or the company itself fails.
ABTA: Member — number not published. ABTA membership commits the company to ABTA’s code of conduct, requires it to protect customers’ money on holidays that do not include a flight, and gives customers a complaints and arbitration route.
ATOL: Held — licence number not published. An ATOL licence protects the money customers pay for package holidays that include a flight, and covers getting them home if the company fails.
ABTA and ATOL cover.
Ownership and background
Acquired by Hays Travel in June 2021. The headcount is contested: TG#11 gives 150+ while the company site claims 400+, so the site’s figure should be treated cautiously.