Introducing the 2024 TTG 30 Under 30

Manisha gained experience working with both agents and suppliers through marketing positions at AmaWaterways and The Travel Network Group. This all feeds into her current role which involves strategic planning, project management and event logistics. She also sits on the company’s community and charity working group.

Keen to help develop others, Manisha has joined the board of the Association of Women In Travel (AWTE) as membership director. Here her goal is to attract a younger demographic of members and empower women in travel to support their development.

Manisha says: “I would use my position in the 30 Under 30 to contribute positively to the group and wider industry, striving to make travel an even better and fairer place to be.”

Manisha's LinkedIn

A placement year as a strategy intern at Travelport led Megan to accept a commercial operations analyst role after graduating. In 2022 she became commercial operations business partner for the Inside Sales commercial organisation and, this year, was promoted to support Emea in the same capacity.

She also sits on the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) committee while further feathers in her cap include: representing the company at the Travalyst coalition; runner up of the AWTE Rising Star award; launching a global ‘Champions Program’ and creating the first data-based sales strategy for the Inside Sales organisation.

Megan says: “Having worked solely for Travelport, the biggest benefit I would gain from the programme would be expanding my network across the travel industry and learning from others.“

Megan's LinkedIn

Spotted by MSC Cruises’ Antonio Paradiso aged 21, Bethany was offered a job by the cruise boss when he gave a speech at her university. Having developed a wealth of cruise knowledge while working part time for Mundy Cruising's "The Cruise Portfolio", she started out in MSC’s contact centre but within a few weeks moved to the trade support team. In January this year she was promoted to senior trade support executive.

Bethany has excelled in event organisation, having solely organised two ship launches and designing the first ever MSC Champions awards in November 2023.

Nominating Bethany, MSC’s Claire Smith says: “Bethany has a good head on her shoulders and this opportunity would fast track her development and allow her to meet like-minded people her age.”

Bethany's LinkedIn

Instrumental in driving Virgin Voyages' market presence and expansion efforts, Layla joined the company in 2021. Strategic acumen, an innovative approach to business growth, expertise in brand awareness and an ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders have helped her make her mark.

Layla led Virgin Voyages’ 'Bring On' experiential incentives program, which boosted employee engagement and productivity. She has also grown a new account by 765% in its first year – it is now recognised as a managed key account for the business.

Nominating Layla, Virgin Voyages’ Luke Day says: “Being part of the cohort would open doors to valuable networking opportunities and partnerships. It would also provide Layla with a platform to share her innovative strategies, inspiring peers and industry leaders.”

Layla's LinkedIn

With a keen interest in sustainability and mentoring young people, Bethany first considered a career in travel during a post-university job in Abercrombie & Kent’s product department. She then took roles at Just Go! Holidays, leading the heritage programme and creating tours from scratch, and Finn Partners, where she was a finalist for Travmedia’s PR Rising Star of The Year. She returned to product at Audley last year where she works with the Indian Ocean and Africa.

Bethany says: “Coming from a low-income family I had neither the contacts nor opportunity to travel growing up. Now I seek to open up the industry to all backgrounds and promote sustainable practices. I see this opportunity as a real chance to learn from others.”

Bethany's LinkedIn

Hard work and perseverance has taken Bethany from an entry level role in Tui’s commercial analytics team to an established senior figure and a lead for the internal Women in Data network.

Following the pandemic, Bethany pushed for Tui to offer the Data Science MSc + Lvl7 Apprenticeship again. She has now achieved it and is on track for a distinction in the Masters.

Bethany has been awarded ‘Honorary Trader of the Week’ by the team several times and was nominated in the Inspiring category for the TUI UK&I Annual Recognition Awards in 2022.

Nominating Bethany, Tui's Adam Rayner says: “Bethany wants to be a voice for Women in Data in the travel industry. She would benefit from the exposure and connections the 30 under 30 provides.”

Bethany's LinkedIn

Starting out as an apprentice for Somerset Chamber of Commerce aged 17, Brooke pivoted to virtual events during the pandemic. Alongside this she worked as an independent travel agent exploring trending destinations and traveller habits.

Aged 24, Brooke took the role of conference manager for World Travel Market, overseeing conference programmes for WTM London and Arabian Travel Market, combining her event management skills with an understanding of travel industry dynamics.

Despite being a young manager she has gained the team’s full support thanks to her drive to deliver outstanding content.

Brooke says: “As a neurodiverse individual, I'm eager to contribute my unique perspective to this network and champion inclusivity in travel. This will provide invaluable conversations for development and facilitate collaboration to drive positive change.” 

Brooke's LinkedIn

Joining Althams Travel as an apprentice aged 16, Caitlan was the top seller out of 33 branches aged 18 and promoted to assistant manager aged 19. After a brief hiatus from retail in luxury villa rentals, she set up her own company, The Departure Hub, aged 23. She took on a high street store before making a single booking and, after 18 months trading, has a strong turnover and a nationwide client base.

Caitlan says: “I have always wanted to tell young people that if you want something enough you can make it work – just have a plan and take the risk! Being part of 30 Under 30 would help my small business to be noticed on a bigger scale.”

Caitlan's Facebook

Starting out in Tui’s group division as FP&A analyst working with all markets, Joe then moved into UK&I as distribution finance analyst. Alongside this he completed his Cima qualification in January 2022 and in August 2022 was promoted to finance manager – product.

In this role he has been instrumental in driving forward the operational cashflow forecast for accommodation costs which exceeds £2bn annually, something that has been notoriously difficult.

He also organised a workshop in the UK office with his counterparts in different markets within Tui to establish best practices across the group.

Nominating Joe, Aimee Bennett says: “The 30 under 30 would allow Joe to build a network of contacts and expand his knowledge of the industry, providing many opportunities for collaboration.”

Joe's LinkedIn

After developing her sales skills during an apprenticeship at Thomas Cook, Abbie joined Blue Bay Travel as a personal travel advisor in 2015. Progressing through the ranks via sales team leader, sales coordinator and sales manager roles, Abbie became a driving force behind the self-employed division of the business.

Within two years the brand had 55 personal travel consultants, generating £52 million in revenue and £6 million profit in total. Abbie has also recruited two business development executives and, last year, organised the first official Personal Travel Consultant conference.

Nominating Abbie, Blue Bay Travel’s Lauren Tobin says: “She has extraordinary vision and a relentless drive to succeed. This would give Abbie the chance to expand her knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences.”

Abbie's LinkedIn

Emily’s career began at The Travel Corporation (Uniworld’s parent company) aged 19. She became the business’ youngest reservations manager aged 22, doubling conversion rates in her first year of management.

A promotion to sales and marketing executive at Uniworld saw her develop her own role of sales and events executive within 12 months, organising conferences and taking on select accounts in Europe. Some of these became top European accounts, growing more than 400% year-on-year. She is also a regional co-chair on the company’s diversity and inclusion committee.

Emily says: “Living on an island [Guernsey], I haven't had the same networking opportunities as those on the mainland. The 30 under 30 would help me bridge this gap; providing a platform to connect and collaborate with peers.”

Emily's LinkedIn

As Cork Airport’s communications manager Barry is responsible for ensuring that the airport’s messages reach the public and stakeholders seamlessly.

As well as establishing strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and stakeholders, Barry actively engages with the local community, hosting social events and collaborating with neighbouring businesses. Working with other departments such as operations, security, and his wider communications colleagues, his collaborative spirit has seen consistent messaging across all touchpoints, which in turn enhances the overall passenger experience.

Nominating Barry, Cork Airport’s Kevin Cullinane says: “TTG's 30 Under 30 would benefit both Barry and Cork Airport – enhancing their visibility, providing networking opportunities, validating their expertise, attracting media coverage, boosting morale, and making them appealing to potential talent.”

Barry's LinkedIn

Joining Cunard as a revenue analyst after graduating from university, Matt has since progressed to senior revenue analyst. Combining the technical skills of an analyst with confidence in relationship building and stakeholder management, he has delivered updates to senior leadership and presented many times to the whole Cunard directorate. He also volunteered to be his department’s representative of Cunard Employee Experience Group.

Whether it’s rolling out a new revenue management system or acting as a conduit between departments to develop new ways of working, Matt takes it all in his stride.

Nominating Matt, Carnival UK’s Paul Reeves says: “Even at such a young age, Matt is already a role model within his team and this would help to accelerate his development even further.”

Matt's LinkedIn

Spotted as a candidate for Hays Travel’s Rising Stars programme after an apprenticeship at the company’s South Shields Nook branch, Kaigan then became assistant manager at the busy Newcastle city centre store.

Discovering a flair for people development, he took on a role as learning and development coach at head office.

In 2023, he joined a newly formed ancillary sales team as a business development executive and was promoted to his current role after less than a year. Kaigan managed to increase sales performance as well as recruiting and onboarding a new team.

Nominating Kaigan, Hays Travel’s Beccy Rayner says: “Kaigan is unassuming yet confident. He will contribute to the cohort’s success by sharing his own successes, challenges and learnings, and will thrive amongst like-minded talents.”

Kaigan's LinkedIn

Quickly progressing from PR coordinator to PR executive, Emme’s creativity and tenacity has helped Intrepid’s Emea PR team achieve record results in 2022 and 2023. 

From securing coverage in key national and consumer titles to hosting content creator trips and press trips, Emme has proved a measurable impact in driving results. She was also named PR Rising Star of the Year at this year’s Travmedia Awards.

Part of the Brixton office’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) collective, Emme is keen to improve Intrepid’s community outreach in the area and help to ensure recruitment into the travel industry is inclusive.

Emme says: “I’ve always made the most of every opportunity and would do the same with the TTG 30 Under 30 programme.”

Emme's LinkedIn

Instrumental in bringing new agents into the Kuoni fold, Adam has already made his mark on the business having joined earlier this year.

Starting out in a sales apprentice role at Thomas Cook aged 16 where he achieved more than £1 million in sales, Adam became a key account manager for Royal Caribbean where he launched a new strategy for home-based agents. In 2023 he moved to a business development manager role at Azamara. Here he supported the launch of a new trade system, increased social media presence and engagement by 822% and established relationships with eight new partners, generating more than £500,000 in sales in year one.

Nominating Adam, Kuoni’s Rachel O’Reilly says: “Adam is a team player and will benefit from meeting other ambitious like-minded people.”

Adam's LinkedIn

Joining Skyscanner’s commercial graduate scheme post-university, Ashley spent 18 months working in data, the commercial flights engine, and advertising products. This helped her develop a solid understanding of the travel industry and the inner workings of airline, OTA, and DMO businesses.

Ashley then moved into the advertising space, growing a portfolio of £2 million annual recurring revenue, and being promoted three times in four years. In the last six months she has also worked with her commercial lead to develop a training and mentorship programme for new joiners.

Ashley says: “I have a love of people, learning and a strong growth mindset. Although I work with travel companies every day, I joined Skyscanner straight from university, so I would benefit from collaborating with like-minded individuals.”

Ashley's LinkedIn

Forgoing university for a place on Tui’s commercial apprenticeship scheme, Emily honed her core commercial skills, working across early trading, late trading and product. A promotion to product manager and then a UK market product management role saw her oversee a portfolio of more than 380 hotels across nine global gateways.

In 2022, she took on her dream job, commercial partnerships manager for Marella Cruises and, at the start of this year, she joined First Choice as commercial manager – ancillaries, where she has already made an impact, notably through her implementation of First Choice’s flagship flex product.

Nominating Emily, First Choice’s Abigail Devaney says: “A natural relationship builder, Emily would benefit from networking with a diverse set of exceptional peers and mentors to broaden her perspective.” 

Emily's LinkedIn

Founding travel tech AI start-up Kahana, backed by two of the top accelerators in Europe, is the latest feather in entrepreneur Felix’s cap. He has previously been a digital transformation consultant and BCS certified business analyst; the co-founder of IdeasLab Global – a platform and community supporting 120 student entrepreneurs building startups at university; an innovation associate at Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK) and an intern at Bosch.

He describes Kahana as a startup pioneering group travel technology for the post-pandemic era and forecasts that in five years the business will be approaching $50 million in annual revenue.

Felix says: “TTG’s 30 Under 30 programme would provide visibility for my start up and personal brand, boosting credibility for our fundraising efforts, and inspiring young, black founders.”

Felix's LinkedIn

After achieving a degree in chemical engineering, Joyce pivoted to digital marketing where she leveraged her analytical skills and strategic thinking. While at Abta, she managed a marketing budget and increased engagement and direct bookings.

In December 2020, Joyce moved to Tanzania, where she provided consultations to support the tourism industry which had been impacted by the pandemic. This inspired her to co-found Crescendo Digital, a marketing and PR agency focused on tourism and hospitality brands in Africa and the diaspora, as well as the UK markets.

Joyce says: “I am passionate about empowering more black women to build careers in the travel industry. This recognition would provide a powerful platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sector.”

Joyce's LinkedIn

Agile and proactive, Richard started out on Ryanair’s commercial graduate programme, before securing a full-time role and moving into route development. A new role at easyJet saw him establish strong partnerships in a portfolio of 40 airports and opened the door to a secondment in strategy to optimise easyJet’s five-year plan commercial focus.

In July 2023 easyJet holidays allowed Richard to bring his airline experience to tour operating. Here he built data frameworks that allow the business to negotiate and share information with partners more effectively, delivered on stretch targets on revenue and worked on the Sustainability Action Group.

Nominating Richard, easyJet holidays’ Roy Stratford says: “The 30 Under 30 cohort would benefit from Richard’s collaborative nature, passion for building new initiatives and testing new ways of working.”

Richard's LinkedIn

After graduating with first class honours, Helen joined Jet2.com where she progressed to senior planning executive – schedules, managing a fleet of almost 100 aircraft.

She moved to British Airways subsidiary, BA Cityflyer, in February 2022, as charter and planning executive and in 2023, a four-month secondment to BA Euroflyer led to a new role being created for her. Helen now holds full accountability for the charter programmes and schedule permit activities for both airlines.

Helen says: “Being based in one of the few airlines in the north of England, I have limited exposure to others in the travel industry. I would benefit from the opportunity to learn from and be supported by fellow professionals.”

Helen's LinkedIn

Lewis joined Scenic & Emerald Cruises as a trade marketing executive. In 2020 he took a brand marketing executive role with Emerald Cruises and spent the next three years building the brand across its river and yacht product.

He became sales manager for Central/North for both brands in 2023, growing a number of accounts – one by 91%.

Since then, Lewis has represented Scenic on the panel for the Clia Destinations conference in Porto, prompting Clia’s managing director asking him to do an interview for the Clia podcast. He has also been recognised as Panache Cruises favourite account manager.

Nominating Lewis, Scenic’s Nick Hughes says: ”I’m excited to work with Lewis and to see how far he can go. This opportunity will widen his knowledge, experience and contacts.”

Lewis's LinkedIn

Cutting her teeth at Carrier, Melissa honed her knowledge of travel marketing before joining Black Tomato. Her initial remit was to support all things digital yet her natural curiosity, talent and drive meant her responsibilities quickly grew.

Melissa has been pivotal in flagship projects and campaigns such as redesigning the brand’s new website, UX research and complex web development requirements, as well as driving a 32% increase in traffic.

She also drove the company’s shift towards families – growing traffic to family pages by 300% and family trip revenue by 131% year-on-year.

Nominating Melissa, Black Tomato’s Anna Gregory-Hall says: “Melissa is firmly enmeshed in the travel industry and serves as a daily inspiration to colleagues – a trait I am confident would also apply to her 30 Under 30 peers.”

Melissa's LinkedIn

A self-starter with a strong work ethic, Gabrielle was a Disney sales intern whilst studying for her degree. After graduating with a first, she took a role as an account executive for Disneyland Paris.

Since then she has put herself forward for the formal Disney Mentor program, instigated a learning and development plan for herself and presented to staff at one of Disney’s largest trade partners.

She also became events committee member lead for Disney Enabled BERG, a voluntary, employee-led group fostering a welcoming workplace, and a Wish-Maker, helping to facilitate Disney wishes for children’s charity Make-A-Wish.

Nominating Gabrielle, Disneyland Paris’ Max Mason says: “The chance to be among like-minded people, discussing, debating and adding value will elevate Gaby’s confidence and knowledge.”

Gabrielle's LinkedIn

Discovering a passion for fostering talent during a placement year at McDonalds, Olivia began her career in the travel industry, as HR administrator at Hotelplan UK.

Over six and a half years she progressed to her current role and now forms part of the company’s general management team, helping to shape the strategic direction of its people initiatives at the Inghams and Santa’s Lapland brands. Olivia also has a focus on the company’s sustainability goals and how the group’s current strategy would stand up to the scrutiny of the next generation.

Nominating Olivia, Hotelplan UK’s Christie Green says: “This recognition would boost Olivia’s confidence as a rising talent and I know she would use this platform to advocate for important industry issues.”

Olivia's LinkedIn

A placement scheme during her university course saw Jarita working as a merchandiser for Thomson Cruises (now Marella). She returned as a merchandising executive after graduating and is now a senior manager, responsible for a team looking after the sales and promotions on the Tui UK & Ireland websites.

Jarita is on Tui’s Perspectives Leadership Group programme and has a string of achievements under her belt. These include creating a digital forum for the Irish leadership team, leading on the last three Black Friday campaigns, and managing the account for all unique promotional codes used around the business.

Nominating Jarita, Tui’s Maria Jones says: “30 Under 30 would be a great opportunity for Jarita to network with other like-minded individuals, to learn from them and to inspire others.”

Jarita's LinkedIn

Joining Royal Caribbean international (RCI) straight from university, Tom started out in the trade marketing team but has since turned his hand to sales, trade loyalty, events and training.

He was recognised as the Extraordinary Employee of 2023 for his contributions to the business, mainly due to his efforts in organising the Emea seminar at sea for more than 400 travel agents.

In his free time, Tom volunteers, teaching and coaching young children within the community to bring sport into their lives from a young age.

Nominating Tom, Royal Caribbean Group’s Megan Smith says: “Tom would be a fantastic addition to the cohort, and as a true people person would make wonderful connections and benefit from the exposure to other young leaders.”

Tom's LinkedIn

Joining Travel Counsellors as a marketing intern, Joseph gained a place on the graduate programme and subsequently became a marketing executive. During the four years in this role, he championed sustainability and was promoted to his current position – newly created in May 2023. Here he established ambitious pledges for the 2023 annual conference, reducing emissions by 15% year-on-year.

Joseph has spearheaded numerous training initiatives. These include: a sustainability training plan; creating TC’s responsible travel microsites and establishing an internal Sustainability Champions group. He has also built crucial partnerships, set up carbon reporting for clients through Trees4Travel and renewed a collaboration with the Travel Foundation.

Nominating Joseph, Travel Counsellors’ Hayley Griffiths says: “Joseph would leverage this platform to share best practices and drive the travel industry towards more sustainable operations.”

Joseph's LinkedIn