THE ASSOCIATION of Women Travel Executives is launching a campaign to attract younger members.
The female-only association, which has been running for nearly 52 years, aims to improve the status of women in the travel industry and provide a base for national and international networking.
“When it was set up it was very much a friendship club, rivalling the old boys’ clubs,” said Julia Feuell, vice-chairman and also managing director of travel recruitment company New Frontiers.
“We have a lot of members who are very firm friends. They have supported each other through thick and thin. Now we are moving on from being a friendship club to being a business networking club.
“We need to bring in new young professionals, up-and-coming women in the industry, who have different needs.”
Feuell said existing members would be encouraged to actively seek out new members and a series of events would be held throughout the year to promote the association.
A mentoring scheme, where older members take younger members under their wing and offer career guidance, is also planned. “They will be able to tap into that knowledge and expertise in a formal or informal way,” said Feuell. “When I take over the chairmanship in May it is my mission to modernise the association.”
Membership is open to women holding senior positions from all fields of the travel industry.
Members are invited to attend a variety of lunches, evening events and educational and personal development seminars, with opportunities to entertain clients at many of these events.
For more information visit awte-london.co.uk or tel: 020-8292 8898.