Now into its fifth year, the prestigious accolade will be presented at the Travel Industry Awards, which will be held at The Roundhouse in Camden on 24 September.
Established in tribute to Hays Travel founder John Hays, one of travel’s greatest pioneers, the award aims to recognise true entrepreneurial spirit disrupting the travel sector.
The finalists will be interviewed by Dame Irene Hays and panel of Hays and TTG judges at the agency’s head office in Sunderland, with the winner receiving business mentoring sessions with Dame Irene and members of the Hays' board.
Meet the 2025 finalists...
Amar Latif, founder, Traveleyes
Despite losing 95% of his sight by the age of 18, Amar Latif has forged a career that defies limitations. After rising to lead commercial finance at British Telecom, his participation in the BBC’s Beyond Boundaries adventure series ignited his passion for travel. He later founded Traveleyes, offering group holidays that pair blind and sighted travellers.
Mary McKenna, founder and chief executive, Tour America
Mary McKenna launched Tour America from her sitting room in 1995 with little more than a telephone and a dream. She has gone on to build up one of Ireland’s leading US specialists, and has over three decades steered the business through a series of global crises, from 9/11 and the financial crash to the Icelandic ash cloud and the Covid pandemic.
Tony Evans, co-founder and chief executive, TProfile
Tony Evans co-founded TProfile in 2012 with a goal to create beautifully designed – and highly effective – quotes that drive strong conversion. Evans has since grown the company into one of the industry’s leading technology providers, with TProfile’s capabilities and services evolving into a full-service platform managing everything from websites and enquiries to bookings, documentation and apps.
Jess Dennison and Martin Johnson, co-founders and directors, Latin Routes
Jess Dennison and Martin Johnson met while working at a major tour operator, and spotted a gap in the market for a new Latin America specialist. Fuelled by their shared passion for the region, and their expertise, the two TTG 30 Under 30 alumni launched Latin Routes in 2012, with the brand now known as one of the UK's top specialists.
