Fly&Joy founder Liliia Ilkevych has been named in a list of “incredible refugee women”.
Ilkevych, who moved to the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, was included in the 2024 edition of the ‘Visa Everywhere Pioneer 20’, which highlights the contributions of entrepreneurs across Europe.
She credited a Travel Weekly article about her online travel agency (OTA) as helping to give it a bigger platform, adding she was stunned to be featured in the final list drawn up by Visa and WeAreTheCity after nominations were judged.
More: Your Stories: How Liliia Ilkevych set up Fly&Joy after moving to UK from Ukraine
“I can’t believe I managed to create a successful OTA in a new country, with a low level of English,” she said.
“I am only now realising how difficult this field is in the UK, so it’s really a miracle that everything turned out successfully.”
Before the Russian invasion, Ilkevych had a successful career in the banking sector.
Since moving to the UK with her two daughters in June 2022, she has pursued a long-standing ambition to run her own business.
Fly&Joy, which specialises in arranging trips abroad for UK-based Ukrainians, has amassed more than 10,000 followers on social media channels.
It is a member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA) and is currently awaiting the result of an Atol application.
WeAreTheCity, which works towards gender balance in the UK, brings together a variety of organisations to help thousands of women in their careers.
Visa UK and Ireland managing director Mandy Lamb said: “It’s a privilege to celebrate the remarkable women featured in this year’s Visa Everywhere Pioneer 20 recognition programme.”
She added: “These women not only overcome personal hardships but actively reshape narratives to empower women and girls around the world. I extend my gratitude to WeAreTheCity for partnering on this vital initiative – congratulations to everyone involved.”