© Steve PassmoreThe women leading us out of the pandemic and into our summer of travel
As we near summer, and with the growing numbers of vaccine roll-outs, we are all thinking about the possibility of travelling abroad for a much-needed post-pandemic retreat. In light of how difficult the past year has been for the travel industry, we want to celebrate the women who have spearheaded the sector, not only keeping the industry afloat, but pushing the boundaries of innovation and development.
© Lucy Huxleylucy huxley
Lucy Huxley
As editor-in-chief of the Travel Weekly Group (including Travel Weekly, Travel Weekly Business, Travolution, Aspire, the Globes and the AAAs) Lucy Huxley lives and breathes travel. She is the leader for news, communication and analysis in the trade industry and has hosted regular informative webinars during the pandemic to keep everyone in the know about the ever-changing travel landscape.
© Lynn NarrawayLynn Narraway.JPG
Lynn Narraway
Appointed the managing director UK and Ireland, Seabourn and Holland America Line in 2011, Lynn Narraway has since worked tirelessly to promote and grow cruise this side of the pond. Based in Southhampton, Narraway has been committed to offering the very highest levels of customer support even while trips were not possible, and has shared the good news that Seabourn will be offering cruises onboard its newest vessel, Seabourn Ovation, from the Greek islands this summer.
© Sally Cowdrysally cowdry
Sally Cowdry
Sally Cowdry is the managing director of Travelopia, whose illustrious portfolio includes the Italy specialist Citalia and the luxury operator Sovereign. Despite the challenges of the past year, Cowdry has just announced that the Sovereign will now offer a wider range of five-star luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean destinations, with Thailand being added as a new destination for the brand.
© Janet Partonjanet parton
Janet Parton
With more than 20 years' experience working in the travel industry, Jane Parton is now the sales and marketing director at Cosmos, where she has spent the past 12 months looking at new ways for travellers to curate their post-pandemic trips. Starting later this year, Choice Touring by Globus (the parent company of Cosmos) features 13 new itineraries in the UK, Europe and North America where customers can pick and choose excursions to tailor-make their tour.
© Lisa Fitzelllisa fitzell
Lisa Fitzell
The managing director of Elegant Resorts since 2018, Lisa Fitzell has helped the company respond to the challenges of the pandemic by working closely with their loyal clients. Following a customer poll last July, named the Future of Travel, the luxury-tour operator introduced a new collection dedicated to holidays in the UK and Ireland designed to inspire people to rediscover their homeland. Elegant Resorts is also increasing its presence in the wellbeing sector and more eco-friendly properties are being added to its portfolio.
© Lesley Rollolesley rollo
Lesley Rollo
Lesley Rollo is the managing director of the booking agent Travelbag, tasked with leading its expansion strategy and preparing for the post-pandemic travel boom. The company's long-haul adventures have continued to inspire people to book bucket-list trips for when borders reopen all across the globe. And with rules and regulations in a constant state of flux, the company ensures the financial security of bookings with ABTA, IATA and ATOL bonding, so that people can feel confident planning dream holidays again.
© Katie McAlisterkatie mcalister
Katie McAlister
In June 2018, Katie McAlister was appointed the chief marketing officer and board member for TUI UK & Ireland, before her role was extended in September 2020, making her responsible for brand strategy and digital for the entire TUI Group. In response to the pandemic, TUI now acts quickly on monthly customer surveys, which has given the brand a far better understanding of travellers' motivations and needs, and what they need to feel safe to book. The company also accelerate plans to move customers online (at the time when stores were closed) while still allowing them to access the expertise the needed to plan a holiday.
© Wendy Atkin-SmithWendy Atkin-Smith
Wendy Atkin-Smith
Viking Cruises' UK managing director Wendy Atkin-Smith heads up a team of 80 people across all departments. She fell in love with river cruising on the Rhine 25 years ago and has been a passionate advocate for the industry ever since, recently being named the
godmother of the line's new Longship Viking Sigrun. She always thinks outside the box and by innovating, Viking remains at the forefront of the cruise industry.
© Tolene Van der MerveTolene Van der Merve
Tolene Van der Merwe
Tolene Van der Merwe is the UK and Ireland director for the Malta Tourism Authority, and is leading the London-based team to develop greater partnerships with the operators, airlines, travel agents and specialists in the trade. This summer, Malta will be available to British holidaymakers vaccinated against Covid-19 from 1 June, with Van der Merwe saying: "The people of Malta are looking forward to tourists returning who have loved our sunshine, culture, food and warm spirit year in year out."