Shane Lewis-Riley has been named among the 10 leading “LGBTQ trailblazers breaking barriers in the travel industry” by Attitude magazine.
Virgin Voyages’ associate vice president of international sales appeared in the latest edition of the magazine’s second list published on Friday alongside figures in the travel industry including Michael Bonsor, managing director at Rosewood London and OutThere magazine’s Uwern Jong.
The list is one of a number produced by the publication each year. Other lists include stars in the film, TV and music industries; politics; and fashion, design and art sectors.
Lewis-Riley said: “I thought it would be incredible to be on the list when Attitude did it for the first time last year. I just did not think it would be an option.
“I am absolutely over the moon to be included.”
He added that the list was “representative” of Virgin Voyages because the cruise line stands for “inclusivity”.
Lewis-Riley went on to say that the list showed how he and other members of the LGBTQ community can be “successful” in their travel careers.
“Our sailors [passengers] know that they can be comfortable too,” he said. “Virgin Voyages have got their back.”
Attitude approached Lewis-Riley in October around the time of magazine’s awards. “We had some conversations about some of the things that Virgin do at the awards,” he said. “A couple of weeks ago they reached out to me and asked me about my role and the ethos and culture at Virgin Voyages.”
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