The new TTG 30 Under 30: Looking to the future

Sponsor: WTM London

Carrie Lee
Marketing manager

“WTM London is honoured to be a partner with TTG 30 Under 30 for another year. 2020 is proving to be a year of collaboration, learning and teamwork. The travel community, more than any other industry, has shown its union throughout campaigns, cooperation and solidarity. The TTG 30 Under 30 programme is a massive opportunity for these young professionals to learn from our travel community and bring new ideas to make our industry even more extraordinary. We would like to congratulate the class of 2020 and reassure them that WTM London will always be here to support them and their career. We look forward to working with everyone soon.”

Co-founder, Black Travel Creators; creator, Wanderlust Calls

Debbie started her blog Wanderlust Calls to share a love of travel and inspire and help others to travel more. Also having noticed the lack of diversity in the industry, Debbie created Black Travel Creators along with Adebola Sowemimo to act as a global community for black travel content creators, with a goal of also helping brands tackle the issue of diversity within the sector.

She says: “I am excited TTG sees the importance of what Adebola and I are trying to achieve with Black Travel Creators. I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities this programme will provide and am excited to network with others on it.”

Twitter: @wanderlustcalls @btravelcreators

Senior product manager

Tui UK & Ireland

After gaining a politics degree, Claire joined Tui in 2013, where she progressed to senior product manager. She says she now “has the pleasure” of leading a team responsible for developing destination strategies that optimise commercial performance and “create amazing holidays for customers”.

She says: “I feel incredibly proud and excited to be given this opportunity. I’ve grown up in Tui and while I couldn’t be happier here, I’m looking forward to broadening my horizons and meeting like-minded, passionate and ambitious individuals who love the travel industry as much as I do.”

Instagram: @Claire_blake09

Talent acquisition manager

Expedia Group

Hayley has worked in talent acquisition for nine years, finding her interest in travel along the way. After two years at Thomas Cook leading UK recruitment, and proudly winning “Tomorrow’s Leader” at the everywoman In Travel Awards last year, she has recently joined Expedia Group, focused on hiring the best talent into the organisation.

She says: “I’m so pleased to be included in this year’s TTG 30 Under 30 list – during my time in travel so far I’ve been able to meet and work with some very talented and inspirational people, so I look forward to meeting the rest of the group and getting involved in this year’s events.”

Instagram: @hayleygoddard

Head of sports

Spectate (part of ITC Travel Group)

Following a degree in sports management, Alex’s career began in the US, coaching football. Back in the UK, he joined Complete Sports Solutions, specialising in overseas football tours for independent schools and clubs, then he joined ITC as brand manager in 2016, being promoted to head of ITC Sports in December.

“We’re proud of how Alex, as a one-man band, created the Spectate Sports Travel brand. To deliver £1 million turnover in year one and then go on to quadruple profit is impressive. Within weeks, Alex demonstrated his people skills and ability to identify and implement change,” says nominator Judie Hinkson, chief commercial officer, Inspiring Travel Company, part of ITC Travel Group.

Instagram: @Alcatton

Twitter: @Alcatton

Linkedin: Alex Catton

Digital marketing executive

Icelolly.com

From the age of 16, Rae Teresa has worked in retail, hospitality, media and market research. She began her travel career in 2017, joining icelolly.com as SEO executive to manage the organic channel and content and was soon named digital marketing executive, taking on additional responsibility to manage affiliates and support PR.

She says: “I never expected to be featured on this list, let alone be nominated by my senior colleagues, but it goes to show hard work pays off. I feel so honoured to be part of the scheme and can’t wait to get more involved in the industry I love.”

Twitter: @rae_coppola

Regional sales manager

Jet2holidays

Lloyd’s career in travel started nearly nine years ago as a travel advisor at Jet2holidays and has seen consistent progression to his current role. He says that throughout his career, he has always focused on self-development, improving any weaknesses and playing to his strengths.

He says: “For years, I have followed the TTG 30 Under 30 and have always wanted to be a part of this highly regarded programme. It’s such a great platform to increase my presence within the industry. I am determined to achieve in both my professional and personal life and I believe this process will only help me do just that.”

LinkedIn: Lloyd Cross

General manager

Tui River Cruise

Abi started her career on Tui’s commercial placement scheme while still at university, later returning on the commercial graduate programme and subsequently securing a role as senior business improvement consultant. A year ago, she moved back into commercial where she has since headed up the team launching the company’s newest business – Tui River Cruise.

“I’m delighted that Abi has been successful in being part of this year’s TTG 30 Under 30, and this is a reflection of the impact she has made in the Tui business in the time she has been with the company. Abi will be great addition to the 2020 cohort,” says nominator Chris Hackney, managing director cruise, Tui.

LinkedIn: Abi Devaney

Retail manager

Tui UK & Ireland

Sarah began working with Tui aged 19 and has worked her way up to manage the Dungannon retail store in Northern Ireland, as well as being one of the key retail trainers for the company, helping to ensure development with both her peers and new employees.

She says: “I am so thrilled to have made this list. To be recognized in such a way is fantastic and I am incredibly grateful. I am really looking forward to the opportunity and experience this may provide and getting to know others within the industry to be able to develop myself further.”

Instagram: @Sarahdonnelly3

Director

The Travel Business

In 2017, Ellie says she left a “well paid job to take on the adventure” of opening a new high street travel agency under the mentorship of her father. The business had a modest turnover of £200,000 starting out in year one, rising to a £1 million turnover in year three under Ellie’s stewardship.

She says: “I am honoured to be included in TTG’s Top 30 Under 30 and see it as an accolade to my hard work and determination. My mentor has taught me that anything and everything is possible with the right attitude, work ethic and to never be afraid to ask questions.”

Twitter: @TTBNewport

General manager

Parkdean Resorts

Shauna started her career with Parkdean in 2012 as a receptionist at Fallbarrow Park and progressed to holiday sales manager in 2014. In 2016, she enrolled in the Aspire course to train to become a general manager, and followed this up by successfully achieving that goal at Limefitt Holiday Park; in 2018 she returned to Fallbarrow as general manager.

She says: “I am thrilled to have made it to the TTG 30 Under 30 and look forward to meeting the rest of the network.”

LinkedIn: Shauna Foy

General manager

Isleworth Travel Management

Brett says he “fell into tourism” after training as a chef, but says he has never looked back. He started work as a chalet host and an overseas rep, before returning to the UK to work in corporate travel, and soon established Isleworth Travel Management within the Sunvil Group.

He says: “I am overwhelmed to be included. I am passionate about this industry and enthused by its drive towards greater sustainability and diversity. In times of adversity ­ such as now, the unification of the industry and the support and solidarity shown by those who work in travel cement the reason I fell in love with the industry.”

Twitter: @biztravelgeek

VP business development

Unwrapped

Callum joined the founding team of Cool Cousin straight from university, where he went on to build a global community of more than 2,000 locals in over 150 cities. He now leads business development and partnerships at Unwrapped, a travel start-up powering some of the world’s leading travel brands with curated destination content.

“Callum has shown great initiative, commercial awareness and seized unique business development opportunities to help build his brand. I know that he will make the most of the events and networking opportunities on offer, further developing himself both personally and professionally,” says nominator Danny Waine, commercial manager HHD, director ITT and vice chair of ITT Future You.

LinkedIn: Callum Hale Thomson

Sales executive

Party Hard Travel

Luke started as an in-destination team member in 2018 where he achieved a world-class customer service score. He has since gone on to work in three of Party Hard’s resorts, as well as with the UK team to drive sales, winning salesperson of the year 2019, and taking a key role in digital marketing campaigns.

“Luke is so deserving of this achievement. His people skills are second to none. He’s been instrumental in setting service levels in destination, and has also been a key driver for our sales growth. I know he will make the most of this opportunity,” says nominator Nathan Cable, co-founder of Party Hard Travel.

LinkedIn: Luke Harris

Trading and product executive

Advantage Holidays

Kelly has worked in a range of roles within the industry; starting as a destination representative for Thomas Cook, later moving onto product development with leading UK inbound tour operator, Golden Tours. Most recently, she has taken on this role with Advantage Holidays as trading and product executive.

“I'm overjoyed that Kelly has received this recognition. She is a pleasure to work with and is constantly generating new ideas to propel our business forward, I’ve watched Kelly continually invest in her own self development and it’s evident to see this is paying off with the recognition of TTG’s 30 Under 30 scheme,” says nominator Lee Ainsworth, head of Advantage Holidays and Cruise.

LinkedIn: kellyjoannides

Marketing manager

Norad Travel Group

Luke had worked in several other industries previously, but decided on a change and got into travel. He says it was vital to him to continue working in an industry he felt genuinely passionate about and with brands he could identify and resonate with.

He says: “Making the 30 Under 30 list is such a massive privilege and a real honour. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the other nominees, sharing our work experiences in travel so far, and hopefully learning a lot more about the ever-evolving industry.”

Twitter: @LukeJudd1

Account manager

Carnival Cruise Line

Danielle’s travel career began in Thomas Cook, working at Flexible Trips as a sales consultant and then moving onto to the cruise sales team. A cruise specialist for six years, she then picked up a training role in the learning and development team, before moving onto her dream role: account manager for a favourite cruise company, Carnival Cruise Line.

She says: “To be given the opportunity to really strengthen my skills and build new relationships is something I will take full advantage of. I am really looking forward to meeting others that share that passion with me and to really take everything I can from this fantastic programme.”

Twitter: @kertondanielle

Instagram: @daniellekerton

Senior marketing executive

Holiday Extras

Hannah has worked for almost two years in this role and says she “absolutely loves her job”. She leads the marketing team at Holiday Extras, working on brand, design, copywriting, events, incentives and partner marketing.

She says: “In such an uncertain time for the travel industry, finding out that I am part of this year’s 30 Under 30 has been such positive news. The amazing thing about travel is the way that everybody comes together and I’m so excited to meet the group and network with people who also love the industry we work in.”

Linkedin: Hannah Lovett

Business intelligence manager

Blue Bay Travel

After entering the travel industry on a marketing career path, Thomas instead chose to focus on his passion for data, maths and analysis to take up this current role, where he helps all departments at Blue Bay Travel create the best experiences for holidaymakers.

He says: “Being named as one of TTG’s 30 Under 30 is a wonderful acknowledgement of my contributions to Blue Bay Travel. The travel industry is a rich, complex and rewarding working environment, and being recognised as a future leader in this sector is a great privilege.”

Instagram: @Tom_Malbon

Marketing and communications executive

Contiki

Shanice-Daniella says she has always been fascinated by different cultures, starting her journey in Germany, gaining experiences and language skills. After graduating, she progressed through the ranks with exposure into B2B and B2C industries, developing campaigns with sustainability playing a pivotal role, a path that inevitably led her to Contiki.

She says: “I’m extremely grateful to be recognised for the continued support on my professional work and the sustainable messaging I’m pushing out outside of work too. I feel really lucky to have made the list, considering the level of competition and I’m excited to meet some inspiring people.”

LinkedIn: Shanice Midda

PR & communications manager

Barrhead Travel

Karen joined the travel industry almost immediately after finishing university and, over five years later, hasn’t looked back. Her career with Barrhead Travel took her from entry-level executive, to manager of a dynamic team giving her “some of the most rewarding experiences both professionally and personally”.

She says: “I was flattered to be told I had made the list, especially knowing how many talented professionals there are in our industry. Despite current challenges that the industry is facing, the TTG 30 Under 30 community seems more important than ever and I’m excited to contribute to it over the coming months.”

Twitter: @KarenEM28

LinkedIn: Karen Musgrave

Travel and partnerships manager, international

Avis Budget Group

Sophie joined Avis Budget Group four years ago as a placement student. She has since developed a passion for travel by being exposed to such a fast-paced industry with a team that she says “goes above and beyond to support my development”.

She says: “I am extremely proud and excited to have been invited to be part of TTG’s 30 Under 30. Having seen the success of previous members I am honoured to be able to be part of this esteemed group in the travel industry.”

LinkedIn: Sophie Nelson

Chief operating officer

AltoVita

Karolina is a former journalist who has lived across three continents. She says having experienced first-hand the difficulty of settling in a new city, she was driven to launch AltoVita, with a vision is to deliver seamless corporate housing solutions combined with in-destination services for extended stays.

“Karolina has demonstrated tremendous tenacity as an entrepreneur combining her leadership, creativity and masterful skill in execution. She pioneered AltoVita’s proprietary corporate standard training process and two-layer vetting process, which are now widely known in the corporate housing industry. I could not have been more blessed with such an aspirational partner-in-crime,” says nominator Vivi Cahyadi, chief executive and co-founder, AltoVita.

LinkedIn: Karolina Saviova

Co-founder, Black Travel Creators; creator, MyBreakingViews

Adebola started her blog My Breaking Views in 2016 and has used this to share tips on travelling and in 2018, along with Debbie Adigun started Black Travel Creators as a platform for black bloggers, YouTubers, and Podcasters.

“I am elated Debbie and Adebola have been selected. They have built an amazing community of black travel creators and collectively exude all of the skill sets required to make an impact in the industry. They have identified a growing market segment while championing greater diversity by creating a safe place for creators of colour to get information and resources,” says nominator Jamie-Lee Abtar, executive director bame Women In Travel.

Twitter: @btravelcreators @mybreakingviews

Senior optimisation manager

Tui

Ben started his career in travel on the frontline as a holiday rep, later joining Tui's Leadership Graduate Scheme. Following this he created and now leads Tui's Digital Optimisation programme, which delivers more than 300 online tests and £7 million incremental margin annually, putting “test and learn” at the core of customer interaction.

He says: “The travel industry is blessed with an abundance of incredibly talented people, which you are reminded of every year when TTG publishes this group, so it is a massive honour to be recognised on this list – I’m both extremely privileged and grateful to be in such good company.”

Linkedin: Ben Sprackman

Trade marketing manager

Malta Tourism Authority

Natalie started her career with an internship in the travel commerce team at The Telegraph in 2015, which went onto become a permanent position. In 2017, she joined the Malta Tourism Authority as marketing executive and was promoted to trade marketing manager just two years later.

“Natalie is passionate about establishing climate-friendly travel habits, and has been an integral advocate of Visit Malta’s sustainability agenda. I expect her to progress to the forefront of enterprises that set best practice for the rest of the travel industry, drawing on the key relationships she’s established with travel trade,” says nominator, Natalie de Laune, senior marketing manager, Malta Tourism Authority.

LinkedIn: Natalie Swinburne

Sales team leader German Language

Intrepid Travel

After deciding not to complete a university program in Germany, Philipp soon started a career within Intrepid’s UK team, working as a travel support specialist having previously interned there. He took on a new challenge and responsibility within the German sales team, and was appointed sales team leader last October.

“I am delighted Philipp has made TTG’s 30 Under 30. This will enable him to network with fellow members of the programme and build a sound network that will help him as he progresses within Intrepid and the wider travel industry,” says nominator, Tom Bray, sales and customer service manager, EMEA, Intrepid Travel.

LinkedIn: Philipp Swoboda

Manager – SMEs and new business

Virgin Atlantic

Since joining Virgin Atlantic in 2015, Charity has held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility. She has led large-scale projects and initiatives focusing on an enriched customer experience, increased revenues and improved employee engagement.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Charity has made the TTG 30 Under 30 as are all of the leadership team at Virgin Atlantic. Her hard work in driving our SME product and sales have set her apart, and long may it continue. We’re excited to have Charity network with the rest of the travel community and continue to bring innovation through sharing best practice,” says nominator Rami El-Dahshan, head of TMC, Virgin Atlantic.

Company director and travel consultant

Encore Travel

Emily started Encore Travel five years ago, becoming part of the TTA consortium. She has subsequently built up the business to a position where she has since taken on two homeworkers. She has also invested in a pop-up shop concept, used as a mobile travel agency to gain new business.

She says: “I am absolutely ecstatic to have made the TTG 30 Under 30. Starting my business at the tender age of 21 I never thought I would be where I am today and it hasn’t all been a walk in the park, but having worked my socks off, I can proudly say I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Twitter: @encoredtravelltd

Instagram: @encoretravelltd

Director

Beyond Your World

David started his career in broadcasting with BT Sport, and then went onto work as a producer for the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), BBC Worldwide and The Telegraph, before founding his own company, Beyond Your World.

He says: “I’d like to thank everyone in my team, my family and friends that have helped me in achieving this honour. I’ve not been in the travel sector for long, but to get recognition from one of the most respected and influential programmes in the industry is a great endorsement and a privilege.”

Twitter: @DavidUrban134

UK & Europe senior sales manager

Unique Caribbean Holidays (UK tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts)

Lisa did an apprenticeship with Thomas Cook straight after school and less than a year after becoming a permanent staff member, she was promoted as one of the brand’s youngest store managers. She joined Sandals three years later and now runs the call centre, looking after a team of 16.

“I am over the moon for Lisa. She is one of the real rising stars of our business and I am extremely proud of everything she’s achieved. I am excited to see her develop further and continue to make waves in the industry,” says nominator Simon Foster, deputy managing director of Unique Caribbean Holidays.

Linkedin: Lisa Wheway