Meet the all-new TTG 30 Under 30 for 2026
They're blazing a trail through their 20s...and right into the TTG 30 Under 30!
After more than 110 entries and nominations from across travel - and an exhaustive judging process featuring our headline partner Tui, the Institute of Travel & Tourism, the TTG team and some former members of the group - the final 30 future leaders in travel for 2026 have been chosen.
Find out more about them all below...
Malavika Adiga, Marketing Strategist, Hays Travel
Following an international, cross-sector marketing background, Malavika transitioned into travel to lead Hays Travel's retail communications strategy. She routinely goes above and beyond traditional remits, independently designing a new communication framework that doubled commercial message engagement and significantly boosted retail campaign uptake. Her stellar execution culminated in an invitation to present to 1,000 colleagues at last year’s Hays Travel Retail Conference – a task typically reserved for senior executive leadership – earning Malavika an "MVP" speaker title from Dame Irene Hays.
Malavika says: “Over the next five years, I see myself evolving into a strategic leader operating at the intersection of marketing, communications and commercial decision-making within the travel industry.”
Gabriella Arundale, Digital Project Manager, World Travel Holdings UK (Cruise118.com, SixStarCruises.co.uk, RiverVoyages.com)
Since joining WTH UK in 2022, Gabriella has achieved rapid acclaim, securing two promotions in under two years to become Digital Project Manager. She consistently goes above and beyond by delivering high-impact, business-critical tech overhauls, including leading three website rebuilds and complex database migrations. By meticulously analysing user behaviour to introduce enhanced search and pricing features, she successfully drove a remarkable 77% year-to-date increase in conversion rates. Already honoured with World Travel Holding's Rising Star award and armed with a PRINCE2 qualification, Gabriella combines stellar technical execution with digital innovation.
Gabriella says: “I will maximise the opportunities offered by TTG’s 30 Under 30 by reaching outside my comfort zone, using the platform to network, strengthen my confidence within the industry, and most importantly learn from both industry leaders and peers.”
Elly Babe, Account Manager, Finn Partners
In three years at FINN Partners, Elly has undergone a meteoric transformation from a passionate newcomer to a powerhouse Account Manager. She has transformed zero-budget briefs into massive national campaigns; her ingenious Eau de Thames perfume initiative for City Cruises reached 112 million people and became a permanent marketing fixture. From securing a 39-million-reach installation for Visit Greater Palm Springs to delivering high-ROI influencer trips for Ella Resorts, Elly routinely delivers elite results. Her outstanding combination of creative bravery, commercial resilience, and community leadership makes her a quintessential aspiring leader.
Elly was nominated by Finn Partners’ Managing Partner, Amy Skelding, who says: “Elly is now a linchpin of our travel practice, blending elite media relationships with a disciplined, commercial approach. She remains as passionate and enthusiastic today as she was on day one, serving as a mentor to her team.”
India Barker, Sales Team Leader, Blue Bay Travel
India’s rapid ascent at Blue Bay Travel epitomises raw talent. Entering the industry with no prior sales experience, she generated £1.5 million in sales within her first year, outperforming seasoned agents to rank number one overall. Promoted to Sales Team Leader at just 24, India completely overhauled the company's six-week sales training programme and expertly mentored her 15-person division to achieve a 3% year-on-year conversion increase in 2025. With India’s coaching, one advisor increased sales by £500k year-on-year.
Blue Bay Chief Executive Alistair Rowland describes India as “exactly the type of young leader our industry needs more of.”
Josh Cotton, Owner / Founder, Cotton Travel
Starting in travel at 16, Josh has demonstrated exceptional resilience, progressing from airport shifts to launching Cotton Travel in 2023. He’s now on a rapid leadership trajectory, running a thriving business with two stores and a homeworking division. He achieved over 70% revenue growth last year for Cotton Travel while increasing staffing by 200%. Josh leads from the front; as a former independent branch manager, he transformed an underperforming store into the top-performing branch across a 20+ store network. His entrepreneurial spirit and values-driven business growth have already helped Cotton Travel shine brightly at this year’s TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies, securing the number one spot for the Yorkshire region.
Josh says: “I’m building more than a business. I’m shaping a future filled with purpose and heart. Over the next five years, I see a thriving family of stores, a genuinely happy team, and a nationally loved brand rooted in its communities.”
Sam Croucher, Marketing Insights Manager, Tui
Sam’s rapid rise to Marketing Insights Manager at Tui follows a four-year apprenticeship defined by outstanding innovation. She launched a pioneering reverse-mentoring scheme with First Choice's senior leadership and introducing the Springpod virtual work experience tool to thousands of young people. Commercially, Sam spearheaded new revenue-driving ancillary developments and created a resort-based colleague ideas hub. Recognised with Tui’s prestigious annual “You Made It Happen” award, Sam has a unique knack for driving sweeping operational improvements and shows exceptional leadership potential.
Sam was nominated by Tui’s Product Development Specialist, Steven Wilson, who says: “Across the five or six roles Sam completed during her apprenticeship, she never failed to make a sweeping change, improve a process, or introduce a new scheme — something I think is emblematic of her character and hunger to achieve.”
Kyle Donald, Business Development Manager – UK, Yalago Retail
Beginning his travel career as an agent with Ramsay World Travel, Kyle transitioned to the supplier side with Yalago, rapidly climbing from Sales Executive to Business Development Manager. He routinely goes the extra mile, notably seconding himself into operations during a recent crisis to build a dashboard that slashed agent refund times by seven days. Kyle's exceptional networking secured 128% of his account sign-up target, driving a record-breaking year that beat company sales targets by 32%. Honoured with three global Dnata Najm (Star) awards, Kyle’s colleagues credit him with outstanding leadership, marketing acumen, and commercial impact.
Kyle was nominated by Colin Currie, Head of Retail UK & Scandinavia, Yalago Retail, who says: “After missing out on TTG’s 30 Under 30 last year, Kyle was even more motivated than ever and went above and beyond to put himself in a strong position to be part of this exclusive group – he has a real drive to meet and learn from the best of the industry.”
Albin Eriksson Lippe, Co-founder & CEO, Holiwise
An alumnus of Warwick University with a first-class honours degree, Albin spent five years in hedge fund sales at Goldman Sachs before pivoting to co-found the AI-driven travel platform, Holiwise. He built an operational OTA in just two years that boasts global flight supply and three million properties. Under his leadership, the business has successfully automated manual travel agent workflows, generating $4.8 million in annualised sales – a spectacular tenfold increase year-on-year.
Albin says: “My inclusion in TTG’s 30 Under 30 will significantly accelerate Holiwise’s growth by strengthening our industry credibility and unlocking partnerships across airlines, hotel suppliers, and tourism boards.”
Jenny Hamblin, B2B Communications and Engagement Executive, Virgin Atlantic
In three years at Virgin Atlantic, Jenny has risen from assistant to B2B Communications and Engagement Executive, earning a reputation as a highly driven change-maker. She manages large-scale 200+ person events and achieved a Distinction in her Women in Leadership apprenticeship. A passionate advocate for inclusion, Jenny actively drives internal Pride and Women's networks, whilst volunteering globally for Elevate(her) Aviation.
Jenny was nominated by Georgia Mobsby, Senior Manager – Global Sales Planning, Virgin Atlantic, who says: “My proudest moment was watching Jenny host a leadership Q&A at our internal sales conference for 100+ attendees. Having identified public speaking as a development opportunity only weeks earlier, she challenged herself head-on and delivered with confidence, humour and authenticity, leaving a lasting impression.”
Montse Herrera Despradel, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Product Marketing, My Booking Rewards
Armed with global hospitality experience and a King’s College London master's degree, Montse has achieved rapid promotion at My Booking Rewards. Managing 48 client accounts with 100% retention, she has driven spectacular commercial results. Crucially, she engineered an upsell strategy that boosted her team's largest account by 400% and spearheaded a major partner event campaign supporting £184 million in client revenue. Seamlessly converting new business opportunities with high-profile travel brands while achieving marketing engagement 3.8 times above industry benchmarks, Montse’s commercial acumen helps her stand out.
Montse was nominated by My Booking Rewards Chief Executive, Darren Pearson, who says: “While Montse already works closely alongside the founders and senior leadership team, I see her continuing to progress to the forefront of the organisation as it grows, taking on greater responsibility in shaping priorities and driving commercial direction.”
Marjorie Hogarth, Assistant Market Development Manager – Asia Pacific Middle East, Visit Scotland
An exceptional academic with a tourism marketing master's distinction, Marjorie spearheads market development for VisitScotland across Australia, India, and the Middle East. She excels at driving international growth, notably orchestrating an expansive B2B and consumer campaign alongside the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s tour Down Under. This high-profile initiative engaged major carriers like Emirates and Qatar, captivating 200,000 attendees and elevating Scotland's global brand presence. Combining multilingual expertise with vast campaign experience alongside names like National Geographic, Marjorie combines strategic prowess with cross-continental impact.
Marjorie says: “I have benefitted from mentoring and would love to pay it forward to young people entering the industry and sharing knowledge and experience.”
Abbie-Lea Geraghty, Senior Content & Marketing Executive, Trending Travel
Starting as an apprentice in 2020, Abbie-Lea has risen to Senior Content and Marketing Executive at Trending Travel through exceptional creative flair. She established the company’s viral in-resort content blueprint and has produced over 5,000 unique content pieces. Her spectacular achievements include generating 25 million views on a single Instagram reel and managing a high-profile Virgin campaign involving 900 influencers that amassed over one billion views. Now a Chartered Institute of Marketing member who leads the business's hiring procedures, her unparalleled ability to smash KPIs and drive massive digital engagement marks her out as a future travel leader.
Abbie-Lea was nominated by Kieran Shaw, Managing Director, Trending Travel, who says: “Abbie-Lea is a real rising star within our industry and she is unknown to the wider industry other than our clients who absolutely love her. Sharing ideas and career pathways with TTG’s 30 Under 30 will not only cement Abbie-Lea into the travel industry, it will give her a sense of belonging.”
Andrew Kyte, Travel Advisor, Tui
Since joining Tui Lincoln in 2022, Andrew has brilliantly harmonised his Retail Advisor role with a passion for advocacy. As Regional DEI Ambassador Lead, he has delivered diversity training across 25 stores to 250-plus colleagues. Andrew’s incredible impact has been recognised nationally; he was named Tui’s Company Inspirational Hero of the Year 2025 and he is a 2026 British Diversity Awards finalist. By driving meaningful cultural change whilst maintaining retail excellence, Andrew’s dedication to industry visibility and inclusion makes him an inspiring retail role model.
Andrew says: “I want to play a part in inspiring the next generation of talent to consider a career in travel. I believe representation and visibility are key, and I am committed to showing others that there are opportunities for everyone to have a career in travel.”
Bethany Lay, Content and Communications Manager, Party Hard Travel
Since joining Party Hard Travel in 2022 as an overseas representative, Bethany has achieved meteoric career progression through sheer determination. She has successfully managed record-breaking summer seasons in Ayia Napa, handling high-pressure operational crises with exceptional maturity. Remarkably, despite having no prior technical background, Bethany self-taught website development to spearhead the complete redesign of the company’s digital platform – transforming it into a vital branding tool. Now leading operations in Albufeira, Bethany consistently goes above and beyond, mentoring new staff and seamlessly blending creative communication with resort leadership.
Bethany was nominated by Lakeisha Providence, Marketing Manager at Party Hard Travel, who says: “Bethany’s ability to combine operational leadership with creativity, communication and people management makes her incredibly versatile and valuable to the business.”
Eleanor Lee, Content Strategy Manager, easyJet
Promoted to Content Strategy Manager at easyJet within 18 months, Eleanor uses journalism-rooted storytelling to inspire millions. She consistently goes above and beyond traditional corporate marketing, driving an exceptional 155% increase in Equivalent Media Value and pushing primary channels past one million followers. Notably, she independently built and launched easyJet’s first-ever Employee Generated Content strategy, creating an internal Creators group. From executing a high-pressure 100-asset Eurovision campaign to passionately mentoring her team’s apprentice, Eleanor demonstrates authentic, community-driven creative leadership.
Eleanor says: “I want to redefine how travel and tourism brands connect with modern audiences – a mission I’ve already started at easyJet. Ultimately, I want to lead creative teams that pull travel content into the 21st century.”
Sophia Lief, Senior UK Sales Manager, Princess Cruises
From British Airways cabin crew to Carnival UK powerhouse, Sophia has achieved rapid progression, culminating in her promotion to Senior Sales Manager for Princess Cruises. Within six months at P&O Cruises, Sophia designed a transformative "Commercial Plan" that revolutionised company operations and remains vital today. Later, as Cunard's Employee Engagement Lead, she partnered with senior leadership to boost employee NPS. Now expertly spearheading Princess Cruises’ UK travel agent strategy, her exceptional cross-brand acumen and swift stakeholder credibility make her a quintessential future leader.
Sophia was nominated by Yasmin McKechnie, UK, Ireland & EMEA Sales Director at Princess Cruises, who says: “Sophia’s deep cross-brand experience, combined with her ability to align stakeholders and deliver results, positions her well to take on more international or multi-brand responsibilities. I also see her playing a key role in shaping future go-to-market strategies and leading high-performing teams.”
Hannah Luker, Account Manager, MMGY
Since joining MMGY in 2023, Hannah has quickly earned promotion by beautifully marrying sustainability expertise with travel PR. She routinely goes above and beyond traditional destination marketing with projects that include bringing a Bermudian spoken-word artist to London to champion authentic local culture. Hannah’s campaign leadership for Discover Puerto Rico amassed over 20 million impressions, whilst her work with Brand USA secured a bronze SMARTIES Award. By successfully placing three clients on Wanderlust magazine’s sustainability list and establishing benchmark international media coverage, she demonstrates an exceptional knack for community-led storytelling and responsible tourism.
Hannah was nominated by Laurel Waldron, Senior Account Director at MMGY, who says: “Hannah’s ambition is to become a leading voice in sustainable travel and destination communications, helping shape how the industry engages travellers and how tourism delivers lasting value for communities.”
Lauren Moat, AI Assistant Specialist, Holiday Extras
Lauren has revolutionized how Holiday Extras delivers operational AI at scale. Moving the business from mere experimentation to structured execution, she pioneered major initiatives like the Fix My Hassle and Vouchers Assistants across UK and European sites. Her work has delivered substantial reductions in customer handling times and contact rates. Lauren has established the core governance, testing, and roadmap frameworks that now underpin Holiday Extras’ AI capability.
Lauren was nominated by Amanda Bishop, Head of Customer Journeys / Ops AI, who says: “What truly sets Lauren apart is her influence beyond delivery. She introduced more structured testing, roadmap planning, reporting, swarm testing and prioritisation processes, helping shift AI work from isolated projects into scalable operational capability. She has become a trusted advisor across Operations, Product, Engineering and Customer Experience teams.”
Jake Nickels, Cruise Consultant, ROL Cruise
Since entering the cruise sector straight from school, 26-year-old Jake has spent four consecutive years as ROL Cruise's undisputed number-one sales consultant. Last year alone, he secured over 2,000 bookings, generating revenue roughly 50% ahead of his nearest peer. Jake routinely goes above and beyond his core sales function; when heavy cancellations hit, he stepped in to successfully retain over £600,000 in threatened business. He also leads internal training and informally mentors new consultants, an arrangement which ROL Cruise plans to formalise in the coming years.
Jake was nominated by Sarah Wikevand, Chief Commercial Officer, ROL Cruise, who says: “Jake is one of the most naturally charismatic people in the building. Customers ask for him by name and his top repeat customers spend tens of thousands with him year after year. The team gravitate to him too. New consultants come to him for advice on the harder calls.”
Ollie Payton, ESG Analyst, easyJet holidays
Since joining easyJet holidays in 2024, Ollie has proven himself a standout sustainability leader. He has a unique ability to balance green strategy with mainstream tourism operations. Blending economics expertise with operational insight, he spearheaded the company's annual Impact Report and successfully scaled their Certified Sustainable hotel programme to over 3,000 properties – driving a massive 65% increase in 2025. Ollie translates complex data into practical, commercial actions. Proactive and solution-focused, he has seamlessly embedded sustainability across diverse business teams.
Ollie was nominated by Scott Lawson, easyjet holidays’ Senior ESG Manager, who says: “Ollie has played an important role in embedding sustainability more widely across the business, working collaboratively with teams beyond sustainability to support greater understanding, engagement and operational integration.”
Alice Preece, Senior Press Officer, Tui
In just over three years, Alice has progressed to Senior Press Officer at Tui, establishing herself as a visionary communications leader. She characteristically goes above and beyond a traditional PR remit to deliver major commercial and operational outcomes. Her "Mini Memory Makers" campaign reached 131 million people and evolved into a global children's club concept. Alice also pioneered Tui’s AI-search digital PR strategy and designed a themed river cruise itinerary that is currently on sale. She is lauded by her Tui peers for her exceptional ability to turn creative insights into tangible, revenue-generating business strategies.
Alice was nominated by Karen Abrams, Senior PR Manager at Tui UK Ireland, who says: “In the short term, Alice will help future-proof the communications function; longer term, she will become an inspirational and impactful team leader.”
Joshua Preston, Sales Development Manager, Royal Caribbean International
Joshua’s career reflects a trajectory of rapid commercial success, from smashing initial targets at Bolsover Cruise Club to driving a phenomenal 500% year-on-year passenger growth for March-April 2026 vs 2025 for an emerging partner at Royal Caribbean International in 2026. He consistently exceeds expectations by taking on vast responsibilities, previously managing complex overseas Caribbean operations and seamlessly covering an additional sales territory for six months. Honoured with a nomination for Royal Caribbean's "Royal Rated" award, Joshua’s proven adaptability, strategic airport collaborations, and determination to modernise cruise sales culture mark him out as a future leader.
Joshua says: “I want to play a key role in shaping how cruise is sold and positioned in the UK market, supporting agents to grow their businesses while driving innovation and confidence in the sector.”
Tom Roney, Senior Business Analyst, Travel Counsellors
Since joining Travel Counsellors’ graduate scheme in 2021, Tom has rapidly progressed to Senior Business Analyst. A vital asset to the tech function, he excels at utilizing digital innovation to elevate personal customer service. Tom led the rollout of TC Co-Pilot, achieving a record-breaking 88% adoption rate, and pioneered the company's first AI-driven Dynamic Margin trial to optimize commercial pricing. He embeds himself within the user community to translate direct feedback into practical tech solutions, and has an exceptional ability to bridge technical product development with commercial strategy.
Tom was nominated by Hayley Macleod, PR manager, Travel Counsellors, who says: “Tom’s broad understanding of the Travel Counsellors organisation, combined with his ambition, strong relationship building skills and willingness to learn, positions him well for continued progression.”
Julia Ross, Business Development Executive, Latin Routes
Since joining Latin Routes during university, Julia has quickly become a highly trusted ambassador for polar and adventure travel. She spearheaded the company’s Antarctica launch and has driven an incredible 900% growth in business with partner cruise line HX. Whether training 30-plus agents with infectious enthusiasm, stepping onto the sales phones to secure complex bookings, or utilizing her active social media presence to de-mystify expedition cruising, Julia effortlessly blends commercial drive with authentic warmth.
Julia was nominated by Megan Lewis, business development manager, HX Expeditions, who says: “Julia and I met in 2024 in Antarctica of all places, and she stood out as someone with a bright future within our industry. She has quickly become a familiar face within the expedition community, always representing the Latin Routes brand with authenticity, confidence and a genuine love for what she does.”
Amaan Shakir, Partnership Executive, Avis Budget Group
A first-class marketing graduate, Amaan has rapidly established himself as a trusted, high-performing asset within Avis Budget Group’s International Leisure & Partnerships team. He has independently developed sophisticated reporting tools and data dashboards that have vastly improved global commercial visibility for senior stakeholders. Displaying commercial maturity far beyond his years, Amaan leads trading analysis and engages directly with major global airlines and OTAs to shape partnership strategies.
Amaan was nominated by Lewis Johnson, senior strategic partnership manager at Avis Budget Group, who says: “As Amaan’s experience grows, he is well-positioned to manage major international accounts and contribute to wider partnership strategy across global markets.”
Jeremy Smith, AI Innovation Partner, Travel Counsellors
A prolific entrepreneur and AI specialist, Jeremy co-founded three AI businesses, including Neural Voice, before moving into his current role. Now AI Innovation Partner at Travel Counsellors, he leads AI strategy across a £1bn+ group, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer. From successfully raising nearly £1 million in venture capital to being invited to Downing Street by the Chancellor to advocate for regional business growth, Jeremy is defined by his exceptional enterprise leadership and ground-breaking tech innovation.
Jeremy says: “I want to be a CEO. I've done it at start-up level, raising money, building product, signing customers, and learning the hard way. The next chapter is doing it at enterprise scale. Travel Counsellors is the right place to learn that craft.”
Cameron Spence, Global Business Practice Line Lead, American Express Global Business Travel
Entering the travel sector through a social mobility charity, Cameron has built a remarkable data-driven career, culminating in leading Amex GBT’s Hotel Consulting Practice and managing EMEA data operations for over 14,000 hotels. He consistently goes above and beyond by driving digital transformation; notably, he pioneered replacing manual spreadsheet reporting with a powerful, AI-fuelled insights dashboard that has fundamentally redefined team operations.
Cameron says: “Corporate travel is an industry which faces real challenges in attracting Gen-Z talent, and so I warmly welcome being able to build my network beyond the Amex GBT environment, with TTG’s 30 Under 30.”
Phelim Sweeney, Web and SEO Manager, Visit Belfast
In four years at Visit Belfast, Web and SEO Manager Phelim has transformed digital destination marketing. He pioneered the UK's first social-first tourism website, which drove a 921% increase in direct traffic, boosted partner revenue by 60%, and won a prestigious Spider Award. Phelim has also spearheaded the organisation's complete digital infrastructure rebuild and led its AI governance programme. Recognised by his CEO as a forward-thinking trailblazer, Phelim has the ability to deliver massive infrastructure overhauls with unmatched commercial results.
Phelim was nominated by Gavin McKenna, Visit Belfast Head of Marketing, who says: “Over the next five years, Phelim wants to become a recognised voice on AI and digital innovation in destination marketing, with ambitions to take that expertise to the global stage through an international tourism body. The industry is changing fast. Phelim is already where it's heading.”
Hannah Szabo-Toth, Luxury Travel Advisor, Sarah Ives Luxury Travel Agency
Since joining Sarah Ives Luxury Travel Agency aged 24, Hannah’s career has achieved phenomenal trajectory. Progressing swiftly from concierge to Luxury Travel Agent, she handles a third of the company's ultra-high-net-worth clients. Hannah hit an incredible £2 million in sales within the first six months of 2026 and spearheaded a Courchevel marketing campaign that generated £500,000 in bookings. From growing the Ikos account to £400k to implementing new CRM systems and training her successor, she blends commercial acumen, deep specialist expertise, and leadership readiness.
Hannah was nominated by Sarah Ives, owner of Sarah Ives Luxury Travel Agency, who says: “In the next five years, I see Hannah stepping into a senior leadership or partnership position at Sarah Ives Luxury Travel Agency. Her extensive knowledge of destinations, suppliers, and high-net-worth client relationships gives her a uniquely strong foundation to help shape and grow the business from the inside.”
Jessica Tansey, Business Development Manager, APT & Travelmarvel
Entering the travel sector at 19, Jessica built a formidable industry foundation before progressing to Business Development Manager by age 27. She has driven stellar revenue metrics, spearheading a massive £500,000 year-on-year revenue uplift in early 2026 entirely via new business acquisition, including securing 40 new booking agencies in Q1 alone. Jess has delivered a further 14% year-on-year growth across existing accounts and successfully orchestrated eight complex group departures. By expertly integrating touring flights into marketing collateral and conquering on-stage presentations, Jessica demonstrates exceptional commercial agility.
Jessica says: “I plan to make use of TTG’s 30 Under 30 community, swapping ideas, learning from others and contributing in a way that creates real value rather than just recognition. This will motivate me to elevate my performance and learn from others who are making an impact across travel.”