Hays Travel Independence Group has cancelled its autumn conference, due to be held in October, as a result of the collapse of Thomas Cook.

In a statement, managing director Jon Hays said the decision had been made to “ensure that we can give our utmost support to our customers and members during these testing times”.

The event will be rescheduled for 2020.

Hays and the Hays Travel Team added: “Following this week’s devastating news regarding the failure of the Thomas Cook Group, we have had to review our annual overseas Hays Travel Independence Group conference due to take place 16-19 October at Rixos Sungate Resort [Turkey].

“Our main priority over the coming weeks will be to ensure that we can give our utmost support to our customers and members during these testing times.

“With that view in mind, we have had to make the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s conference, with further details to be confirmed of a rearranged event in 2020. Details of this will follow by the end of October.

“Over due course, we will be refunding all flight costs so that none of our valued members will be out of pocket.

“Please be assured it is with a heavy heart that we have come to this decision. A lot of work and planning has gone into the conference over the past year. However, due to the unfortunate circumstances which are beyond our control, we hope you can understand why this decision has been made.”

Hays Travel also held a recruitment day yesterday (26 September), at its head office in Gilbridge House, Sunderland, with further recruitment dates planned for next week.

Hays Travel has also been appointed by the Civil Aviation Authority to fulfil bookings made by members of the Thomas Cook-owned Freedom Travel Group.