July/August 2025
www.nitravelnews.com
TRADE NEWS | 83
INDUSTRY GIANTS JOIN KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR LIST: Honours List includes Hastings Hotels MD, James McGinn, Advantage Travel Partnerships CEO, Julia Lo-Bue Said and Former Vice President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Jo Rzymowska
Travel News’ Jonathan Adair. A massive thank you to the suppliers who
kindly donated prizes to the charity raffle & a congratulations to all the winners. Winners List As Follows-
THB Hotels I 5 nights for 2 people with Breakfast at the THB Lanzarote Beach Hotel – WINNER: Pam Bryans, Spring Hotels Grupo Blaumar | 3 nights in Blaumar Hotel
for 2+2 in Half Board- WINNER: Alex Dunlop, NI Travel News
G Adventures | £100 Etsy Voucher- WINNER: Sinead O’Toole, Downe Travel Crowne Plaza | Overnight Stay for 2- WINNER: Jonny Fielding, JF Travel Spring Hotels | Bottle of Prosecco- WINNER: Jessica Laird Hays Travel Hotel Jardin | 3 Nights at Hotel Jardín
Tecina for 2 people in Double Standard Room with Breakfast La Gomera, Canary Islands- WINNER: Kasia Simpson, Thompson Travel Gold Medal | £50 Voucher of Choice – WINNER: Sandra Corkin, Oasis Travel AMA Waterways | £50 The White Company
Voucher – WINNER: Rachael McIlmoyle, Limavady Travel
Visit Malta | Two Man United Tickets for
next Season- WINNER: Maria Hourican, Holiday World
Belfast International Airport | 2 x Lounge Passes Plus One Weeks Car Parking- WINNER: Michelle Reilly, Dublin Airport Iberostar Hotels & Resorts l 1x Iberostar Merchandise Bag – WINNER: Barbara Freeburn, Terra Travel
JAMES McGinn, managing director of Hastings Hotels, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to tourism and hospitality. The award is in recognition of his 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, wealth of knowledge and expertise. James has worked for Hastings Hotels
for 29 years and before being appointed managing director in 2022,
he held a
number of senior positions across the group including operations director and general manager of the Europa Hotel where he was at the helm for two decades. James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “It’s an honour to have received this recognition. Tourism and hospitality is in my blood, and I’m thankful for the career I have built at Hastings Hotels for the last 29 years and for the opportunities provided to me by the Hastings family. I would also like to thank my colleagues across the group, because without them, this recognition wouldn’t be possible.” As one of the leading figures in Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry,
James
graduated in 1988 from Queen’s University Belfast and moved to London to work in an American themed restaurant before returning to Omagh in 1990 to work as Food and Beverage Manager in his family’s business, the Woodlander. He then gained an MSc in Hotel and International Tourism Management from the University of Ulster in 1994 and went to Washington DC to work for the Hilton Hotel before returning to Northern Ireland in 1996 when he started his career with Hastings Hotels at the Europa Hotel.
CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, Giulia Maria Said (Julia Lo Bue-Said) has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025
Julia Lo Bue-Said has led Advantage
Travel Partnership Group as CEO since April 2018. During this time, she has transformed the business with vigour and energy to it becoming the UK’s leading community of independent travel businesses, operating in both the leisure and global business travel sectors, as well as a leading voice of the UK travel industry. Julia has become a high-profile media spokesperson for the industry,
regularly
appearing across all mainstream UK print and broadcast media. She is an active contributor to government roundtables and dedicates her time in actively working cross industry as well as on engagement strategies and government lobbying. Julia was also presented with the Northern Ireland Travel Special Achievement Award at the 30th Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards – the first time a special achievement award has been presented to someone outside of Northern Ireland. Giulia Maria Said (Julia Lo Bue-Said) CEO, Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “On receiving the award, Julia said: “I feel deeply honoured
to receive this extraordinary
recognition for services to Business and Tourism. This honour reflects not only my personal journey, but the importance of our industry and its economic contribution, the exceptional people and talent at the heart of the industry, as well as the incredible support, collaboration, and inspiration I have received throughout my career.”
JO Rzymowska has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. Acknowledging decades of passionate advocacy, bold leadership, and tireless work to create a sector where everyone is seen, heard and celebrated, Jo has been awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty, King Charles III. Jo is best known for her 18-year tenure at Royal Caribbean Group, where she held senior leadership roles before becoming Vice President and Managing Director for Celebrity Cruises EMEA. A powerful advocate for inclusion, she helped embed a culture of openness and respect across the business, positioning Celebrity Cruises as a global frontrunner in inclusive travel,. Jo served as Executive Sponsor for Employee Resource Groups, championed the Pride at Sea programme, and rolled out training and tools to help travel agents and staff better serve LGBTQ+ travellers. She played a key role in launching the All Inclusive Photo Project, , and was a passionate champion of Celebrity Cruises’ decision to become the first US cruise line to embrace legal same- sex marriages at sea. Jo comments,“Receiving this honour is truly humbling. I’ve been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of so many who believed in me, encouraged me, and reminded me that difference is a strength. From my parents’ open-door policy to the brave colleagues and mentors who shaped and guided me, their support is woven into every step I’ve taken. Diversity and inclusion are not just values, they’re a way of life.”
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