Virgin Holidays’ Amanda Wills, Dubai Tourism’s Ingrid Aagesen and British Travel Awards’ Lorraine Barnes Burton are among leading nominees for the Women 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women as part of the 2011 Shine Awards.
The Top 100 for women in the travel, leisure and hospitality sectors is designed to celebrate the very best in female achievement.
More than 200 entries have been received ahead of the February 18 deadline for submissions, with nominations being taken online at: http://www.people1st.co.uk/top100.
The Savoy Hotel in London will host the awards ceremony and the unveiling of Top 100 on March 31. The event will be presented by Gaby Roslin.
Women 1st, which launched the Top 100 and Shine Awards, is the brainchild of People 1st, the sector skills council for the industry.
Women 1st found that whilst females make up nearly 60% of the industry’s workforce, only 6% make up senior board and director level positions.
Natalie Bickford, Sodexo’s UK and Ireland HR director and chair of Women 1st, said: “David Cameron has acknowledged the vital role the hospitality and tourism industry will play in driving the country’s economy forward.
“It is paramount that we as an industry develop and retain the best talent – whether male or female.
“Showcasing women who have worked hard to achieve their career aspirations in our amazing industry will hopefully inspire countless others to emulate that success.”