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Sixty women in the travel and tourism industry have been recognised by the Association of Women Travel Executives for making a difference over the past 60 years.
The 60 for 60 list, revealed at the AWTE’s 60th anniversary dinner on Monday night, celebrates women across the sector from travel agencies and tour operators to cruise lines, airlines, car brokers, tourist boards and technology companies as well as those who work in the media, public relations and charities linked to the industry.
Those on the list range from current women in the industry such as Thomas Cook’s current chief executive Harriet Green and Tui Travel’s mainstream aviation chief operating officer Chris Browne, to former managing director of International Leisure Group’s Global and Lancaster businesses Jackie Kernaghan and Lastminute.com co-founder Martha Lane Fox.
Among the women in the travel agency sector recognised are TravelTime World director Jackie Steadman; Advantage managing director Julia Lo Bue-Said, Knock Travel owner Doreen McKenzie; and Jebsens Travel founder Bella Rangel-Callan, who passed away in February this year.
The list also recognises Lucy Huxley, Travel Weekly Group editor-in-chief; Bronwyn Gold Blyth, founder of travel public relations agency BGB Bronwyn Gold Blyth, who died in 2001; and Fiona Jeffery, founder of industry charity Just a Drop.
Jeffery said: “This means a great deal because it’s an honour to be associated with some of the great female personalities in our industry that have played their part in contributing to the growth and development of a global, rapidly changing industry that impacts and contributes to the well being of so many people across the world economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.”
In total 118 nominations were received for the list of women who have had the most influence in the sector over the past 60 years, chosen to mark AWTE’s 60th anniversary.
These was filtered down to 60 with the help of former Tui Travel UK and Ireland managing director Dermot Blastland and former Advantage chief executive John McEwan.
AWTE chairman Barbro McAusland said: “We were delighted to get 118 nominations and what it showed us was that a list of 60 is not enough. We felt every one of those nominees was deserving so it was tough to filter it down to 60.”
The AWTE is now planning to nominate a further five women each year at its awards dinner to add to the list.
“We will rename the list next year and ask for nominations for women to add to this original list to keep the list going,” added AWTE vice-chairman Debbee Dale.
“This is a way of recognising women who may not have been recognised before for shaping the industry. We hope this list will highlight that there are lot of women out there making a difference and encourage women, showing them they can succeed.”
Three awards were also handed out at last night’s AWTE dinner.
Celebrity Cruises managing director UK and Ireland Jo Rzymowska received the AWTE Honorary Award for her contribution to the travel industry.
Thomas Cook chief executive Harriet Green was awarded the AWTE Business Impact Award for her work to turn around the fortunes of Thomas Cook.
Avis Budget won the AWTE Company award for its committment to equality at board level and allowing women to reach their potential.
The full list of the 60 women on the AWTE’s 60 for 60 list are: Adele Biss; Alexis Coles- Barrasso; Amanda Wills; Amanda (Williams) Matthews; Angela Day; Barbara Cassani; Bella Rangel Callan; Bronwyn Gold Blyth; Carol Marlow; Carolyn McCall; Cathy Matos; Chris Browne; Claire Tobin; Debbee Dale; Debbie Flynn; Diane Bouzebiba; Doreen McKenzie; Erna Low; Fiona Jeffery; Gail Kenny; Gill Benwell; Harriet Green; Jackie Kernaghan; Jackie Simmonds; Jackie Steadman; Jane Atkins; Jane Ashton; Jane Dyson; Jo Rzymowska; Joan Richardson; Julia Kemp; Julia Lo Bue-Said; Julia Simpson; Kathryn Beadle; Kathryn Ward; Kristina Wallen; Lucy Huxley; Lyn Hughes; Lynn Narraway; Mandy Nickerson; Margaret Hood; Martha Lane Fox; Melba Correia; Nishma Robb; Patricia Rossello – Evans; Petra Roach; Phil Bocarro; Pippa Isbell; Rene Chandler; Rita Beckwith; Sandie Dawe; Simone Clarke; Sharon Munro; Sue Biggs; Susan Hooper; Tamara Lohan; Tiffany Hall; Val Gooding; Victoria Sanders; Wendy Atkin-Smith.