The Association of Women Travel Executives is marking its 60th anniversary by recognising the 60 women who have been most influential in shaping the travel industry over the past six decades. JULIET DENNIS reports
Sixty women in the travel and tourism industry have been recognised by the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) for making a difference over the past 60 years. The 60 for 60 list, which was
revealed at the AWTE’s 60th anniversary dinner this week, celebrates women from across the sector. Travel agencies, tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, car brokers, tourist boards and technology companies, as well as the media, public relations and charities linked to the industry are all represented. The women on the list range
We hope that this list will
highlight that there are a lot of women making a difference
director Julia Lo Bue-Said, Knock Travel owner Doreen McKenzie, and Jebsens Travel founder Bella Rangel-Callan, who passed away in February. In total, 118 women were nominated. These were filtered down to 60 with the help of Dermot Blastland, former Tui Travel UK and Ireland managing director, and John McEwan, former Advantage chief executive. AWTE
chairman Barbro McAusland said:
“We were delighted to get 118 nominations and
what it showed us was that a list of 60 is not enough.”
from Thomas Cook Group’s current chief executive Harriet Green to Jackie Kernaghan, former managing director of International Leisure Group’s Global and Lancaster businesses, and Martha Lane Fox, co-founder of
lastminute.com. Among the women in the travel agency sector recognised are Barrhead Travel chief executive Sharon Munro, Designer Travel managing director Amanda Matthews, Advantage managing
Vice-chairman Debbee Dale added: “This is a way of recognising women who may not have been recognised before for shaping the industry. “We hope that this list will highlight that there are a lot of women out there making a difference, and will encourage women to succeed.” The AWTE now plans to nominate a further five women each year at its awards dinner to add to the list.
14 •
travelweekly.co.uk — 17 July 2014 Six of the top 60 give their views
It’s an
honour to be associated with some great female personalities.
Many have played their part in contributing to the growth and development of an industry that contributes to the wellbeing of so many people across the world economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
It sends out the message that
women play a significant role and are able to compete. Women in the industry should
believe in and be themselves. Don’t be exclusive, but inclusive, have a vision and put in the effort to be the best at what you do. Enjoy the journey, don’t take anything for granted, and be decent and fair.” Fiona Jeffery, OBE, founder and chairman, Just a Drop
There are
so many talented women in the industry, it is an
honour to be on this list. People
There is still
prejudice in the workplace – sometimes for women – but if you are
a young manager who wants to climb the career ladder, you must believe in yourself and make the most of networking opportunities. Having a mentor can help you
make difficult decisions. If you are true to yourself about what you want to achieve, that will help. Being in a business with a modern culture makes it possible, but you have to make sacrifices – you cannot have it all.” Julia Lo Bue-Said, managing director, Advantage
underestimate the importance of women in the industry. Be true to yourself and don’t
underestimate yourself. Women have as much to offer as anyone. Most of my career I was the
only woman in the boardroom. It’s important to put everything in perspective and be brave.” Jackie Kernaghan, former MD of International Leisure Group’s global and Lancaster businesses, now a non-executive director and senior executive coach
SPECIAL REPORT
Sixty most influential women in travel
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