The awards, which are being held in partnership with TTG Media, are designed to promote women’s contribution to the travel industry and to redress an imbalance whereby only 33% of travel companies are led by women, but 72% of all travel agents are female.
Daniel Pearce, TTG Media managing director, said: “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.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at East Wintergarden, at London’s Canary Wharf, on November 16.
A Woman of the Year Award will be presented on the day to someone whose passion, success and accessibility make her an exceptional role model and industry ambassador.
Jo Rzymowska, vice president and managing director, UK and Ireland and Asia, Celebrity Cruises: “We are incredibly proud to be a founder 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 can’t wait for the awards ceremony on 16 November.”
The finalists
One to Watch:
Ellie Barton, Hays Travel Darlington
Albane Grimprel, Marriott International
Sylvana Walsh, Hoseasons
Tomorrow’s Leader:
Rebecca Hipkin, Intrepid Group
Sophie Holtom, arrangeMY
Jillian Jackson, Hilton Glasgow
Entrepreneur:
Jessica Bain, Latin Routes
Mary McKenna, Tour America Dublin
Abi Wright, Spabreaks.com
Above & Beyond:
Susan Boxall, Kuoni
Wendi Knibbs, Hilton Worldwide Watford
Karen Morris, Travel Counsellors
Team Leader:
Anna Macleod, arrangeMY
Sacha Peters, Ski Solutions
Angela Terry, Tui Swansea
Leader:
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Viking Cruises
Lindsey Esse, Darwin Escapes
Helen Caron, Tui
