Funway Holidays MD Melissa Tilling to stand down

Tilling joined the US and Caribbean specialist in 2008 and served as product and commercial director before being appointed MD in 2017.

Last year, Funway was acquired by Apple Leisure Group Vacations, which has since launched sister operator Travel Impressions in the UK.

Carla van der Giesen, vice-president and general manager of Travel Impressions International, will take the lead on the group’s entire European operation, including Funway.

“This is an exciting time for Funway Holidays as part of the Apple Leisure Group, with new opportunities to develop and grow with Travel Impressions in the UK,” said Tilling.

“I have had 11 incredible years working alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in tour operating but now it’s time for something different, perhaps something more philanthropic."

Tilling, who is a transgender woman, started her transition shortly after joining Funway, and last year recounted the experience to TTG.

“My life over the last 12 years as a transgender woman in travel has given me so much joy and happiness, now I’d like to give back and ‘give forward’, applying my business brain to do good.”

Funway will host a special appreciation event for Tilling on 22 August. In a statement, the operator said: “An LGBT role model and advocate for diversity in the workplace, Melissa departs Funway Holidays with the respect and admiration of her peers.

“An appreciation event will be held for Melissa at the Bromley office on Thursday afternoon (22 August) recognising her long tenure with Funway Holidays.”