Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley has been honoured for her commitment to travel trade journalism as she was presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the industry-wide TravMedia Awards.
Huxley was described as a “total legend in travel”, with judges recognising a career which saw her become the youngest editor of TTG during her tenure at publisher UBM before going on to become an “outstanding business leader” over the past 14 years at Travel Weekly.
Rachel O’Reilly, director of communications for Kuoni, which sponsored the award, said: “[Lucy] is someone with over two decades’ experience covering the rollercoaster news this industry generates, who has evolved into a statesperson with an amazing ability to connect everyone from senior leaders to frontline sellers.
“She spearheads editorial content across print and online titles including Travel Weekly, Travolution and Aspire, and is at the centre of the group’s events.
“Travel Weekly’s industry commitment came to the fore in the pandemic, with a Recovery Hub and webcasts to help people feel connected. Lucy fronted these with grace and compassion.”
O’Reilly also highlighted Huxley’s role in leading key industry events, moderating Abta and Clia conferences as well as presenting Travel Weekly’s own Globe and Agent Achievement Awards, Future of Travel Conference and Inspiring Women events, and helping young people find their start in the industry through careers guide Take Off in Travel.
TravMedia managing director Louise Napier praised Huxley’s “profound impact” on travel media. She said: “Her editorial vision for Travel Weekly’s seemingly ever-expanding portfolio of titles speaks for itself when you consider the loyalty of its audience, and she has won countless friends and admirers across our sector for her commitment to covering our industry’s news fairly but incisively.
“Congratulations to Lucy, a winner our judges were quick and unanimous to endorse.”
The TravMedia awards recognise travel journalism across the trade, consumer and digital sectors, along with PR agencies and influencers. Previous winners of the Outstanding Contribution Award have included travel journalist Simon Calder, Wanderlust founding editor Lyn Hughes and Debbie Hindle, former chief executive at travel communications firm Four.
On collecting the award, Huxley said: “I’m thrilled to receive this recognition – it’s a true honour, but it’s something of a role reversal as I’m usually presenting awards to people rather than receiving them.
“In truth, I’m much more comfortable when it’s the other way round, because these things are never about one person.”
She added: “I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with some of the most incredible people to create a publication which does its best to inform, support, connect and inspire the travel industry, and one which I’m fiercely proud of.
“So I want to thank my team – especially my deputy Robin Searle, who has been by my side for 20 years – and our incredible industry which I love and feel honoured to serve.”
Photo: Steve Dunlop