The Family Holiday Charity has appointed Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive, as a board member and non-executive director.
Philippa Harris, chair of the board, said: “We’re delighted that Julia will join us on the board, and welcome her strategy and travel expertise as well as her energy and drive to help us achieve our mission, to support families facing tough times to experience a holiday for themselves.
“Like lots of charities, we face some key strategic challenges post-pandemic in a difficult funding climate.
“Julia is joining the board at a critical time to ensure the charity’s future success.
“With more than 2.2 million families unable to access a holiday, the board and executive will be working together to look at finding ways to sustainably balance the demands and long- and short-term challenges and opportunities in achieving its mission.”
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Lo Bue-Said added: “As a long-term admirer of the Family Holiday Charity and the stellar work they undertake on behalf of their beneficiaries, I am delighted to be joining them.
“Travel restrictions over past two years have really showcased the significant social importance of holidays to our wellbeing and mental health, and never more so than for those UK families who are struggling with severe and long-term illness, bereavement, mental health issues, disability and domestic abuse.
“It will be both an honour and privilege to support the charity’s efforts in supporting families facing tough times to experience a holiday for themselves and a role that I believe will give me a great sense of pride.”
Other travel executives on the charity’s board of trustees include David Burling (Tui Group) and Jackie Murphy (Flagship Consulting).
Lo Bue-Said will join other recent appointees Charlie Hills (MandoConnect) and Ingrid Bussell (Vialto) plus other established trustees.
The charity has already sent more families away in the first half of this year than in all of 2021 thanks to “significant operational and strategic changes”.
It is working with VisitEngland and Visit Scotland to reach more than 1,350 families on a low income with a three- or four-night UK holiday.