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AWTE to seek more travel agent members and grow male allyship programme under new chair Debbie O’Neill

Interview
Dea Jusufi
15 April 2026

The new chair of The Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) has outlined plans to attract more agents to broaden the association's membership and shake off the perception it's just for senior leaders, and also modernise its offering – such as by moving away from "transactional" networking.

AWTE's new chair, Debbie O'Neill
(Credit: AWTE)

O'Neill, pictured, wants the AWTE to serve the needs of the 'modern woman' in travel (Credit: AWTE)

Jules Verne managing director Debbie O’Neill officially stepped up to the role on Wednesday (15 April) from her position as vice-chair during a transitional period for the organisation, with seven new members joining the board, alongside six existing directors. She succeeds Michelle Laverick, head of marketing at Jules Verne.

Speaking to TTG, O’Neill said her priority was to reshape AWTE to better reflect the needs of the "modern woman" in travel, such as by moving beyond traditional networking to create a more meaningful and supportive community.