Women in Travel CIC (WIT) is entering the second year of its male allyship programme with the appointment of eight travel executives as new allies.
The new cohort includes Adolfo Penzato, HR director for Intrepid Travel; Anthony Daniels, general manager for Hurtigruten; Clive Wratten, chief executive of the BTA; David Atkin, managing director for Sanderson Phillips; Howard Salinger, owner of the Travel Connection Group; Martin Alcock, director of The Travel Trade Consultancy; Sam Clark, director of Experience Travel Group; and Tony Seaman.
The new recruits join a group of existing male allies which includes Jeremy Sampson from The Travel Foundation, Toby Horry from Tui and TTG Media CEO Daniel Pearce.
Each new ally will be matched with a participating woman in travel who is keen to learn from – and be "supported and mentored by" – an industry leader.
Each pair will then meet on a monthly basis to discuss whatever is pertinent, from the sharing of knowledge and contacts to career progression, embracing opportunities, or successfully addressing challenges in the workplace.
Women in Travel founder and managing director Alessandra Alonso said: "As the male allyship programme enters its second year, we are excited to welcome new allies to our network and look forward to matching them with the next cohort of participating industry women.
“We are inspired that so many senior industry figures are keen to be involved, which is testament to the success and reputation that has been built over year one."
Hurtigruten’s Daniels said: "I was really impressed by the concept of the allyship programme and am excited to be a small part of positive change in our sector.
"Those of us that have been in this business for a long time have hopefully accrued experience and knowledge worth sharing, and if that can be used to inspire others and help them achieve success, it can only be a good thing for the industry as a whole."