Women from across the travel sector were celebrated today, in a ceremony applauding the enormous contribution that women make to the sector.
Over the past 18 years, the everywoman organisation has celebrated the achievements of exceptional women working in technology, retail, entrepreneurship and transport and logistics.
It was travel’s turn in the spotlight today (November 16) as the industry played host to the first everywoman in Travel Awards, in partnership with TTG Media, held at the East Wintergarden in London’s Canary Wharf.
The winners of the everywoman in Travel Awards were:
Woman of the Year Award – Mary McKenna, managing director, Tour America, Dublin
One to Watch (sponsored by TripAdvisor) - Ellie Barton, apprentice, Hays Travel, Darlington
Tomorrow’s Leader (sponsored by TTG Media) - Rebecca Hipkin, travel support team leader, Intrepid Group, London
Entrepreneur (sponsored by Silversea Cruises) - Abi Wright, co-founder and managing director, Spabreaks.com, London
Above & Beyond (sponsored by The Travel Network Group) - Karen Morris, Global Operations Director, Travel Counsellors, Manchester
Team Leader (sponsored by Avis Budget) - Angela Terry, contact centre manager, Tui, Swansea
Leader (sponsored by Kuoni) - Helen Caron, distribution and cruise director, Tui, Luton
Karen Gill, co-founder of everywoman, said: “As we celebrate our 18-year anniversary, everywoman is immensely proud to have launched the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards.
“We have been overwhelmed by the strength of the entries we received and congratulate the very deserving winners. We believe that these women represent a true reflection of the breadth of female talent across the travel industry and at all stages of the career journey.”
Daniel Pearce, managing director at TTG Media, added: “As a champion of diversity in travel, TTG Media is delighted to have worked with everywoman on the first ever everywoman in Travel Awards.
“Women are truly at the heart of the travel industry, although as with many other business sectors there are not enough women in senior positions – we hope to help change that by celebrating the very best women in travel with the awards, and offering inspiration to others both inside and outside of this brilliant industry.”
One of the judges for awards, Jo Rzymowska, vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland and Asia, Celebrity Cruises said: “We are incredibly proud to be a founding sponsor of the everywoman in Travel Awards.
“Seeing over 60 companies backing these awards with such high-quality nominations is impressive and inspiring.
“Our industry is only as strong as the people in it. The more diverse the people, the more inclusive the opportunities for progression and the more barriers to entry dismantled, the stronger it will be. We congratulate all the winners.”