Social enterprise Women in Travel CIC has announced the winners of its inaugural IWTTF Awards, which celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
The International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) Awards reception was a sell-out event and was hosted by Expedia in a top-floor, balcony event space in Angel, London, on the 21st of June.
Reflecting Women in Travel CIC’s core pillars of Leadership, Talent & Recruitment, Allyship and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the award categories recognised both businesses and individuals for their awareness, achievements, initiatives and progress in the DEI space.
DEI Champions
COMPANY
Winner: Contiki
The judges said: Contiki is a company in which 63% of its leadership are women. They promote DEI via various initiatives that empower all genders and sexualities.
Finalists: TTG Media and Unseen Tours
Highly commended: Kalukanda House
INDIVIDUAL
Winner: Kanchana Gamage, The Aviatrix Project
The judges said: Kanchana has a solid mission to promote women in aviation. She has an inspiring story and clear evidence of inclusion-related initiatives.
Finalists: Tiffany Casson, Inntel Ltd and Chris King, Lightning Travel Recruitment
Highly commended: Sophie Griffiths, TTG Media
Woman Leader
CORPORATE LEADER
Winner: Sonal Patel, Audley Travel
The judges said: Sonal is an inspiring and tireless leader making waves running superb DEI programmes from which many businesses and senior figures can learn.
Finalists: Lisa Fitzell, Elegant Resorts and Chitra Stern, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts
FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR
Winner: Nena Chaletzos, Luxtripper
The judges said: Nena has shown a very strong commitment to promoting women and DEI. Her board is composed of 50% women and 50% individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. She truly serves as an inspiration to younger generations through her achievements.
Finalists: Althea Bunce, Sri Lanka Bespoke
Highly commended: Jennie Berry, Wheelie Good Life
Talent & Recruitment
INDIVIDUAL DIVERSE TALENT RECRUITER
Winner: Chris King, Lightning Travel Recruitment
The judges said: Chris goes above and beyond helping to shift the mindset of recruitment. They have a stance on initiatives, such as refusal to hire for roles that fall under £25K, and they are going against the ageing grain.
Finalists: Helen Cannon, ISON Travel and Nena Chaletzos, Luxtripper
COMPANY – BEST DEI T&R INITIATIVE
Winner: Unseen Tours
The judges said: Unseen Tours does excellent work in changing the narrative around homelessness and providing jobs and training to the marginalised demographic.
Finalists: Luxtripper and Lightning Travel Recruitment
Highly commended: Tourleb
Allyship
INDIVIDUAL
Winner: Stuart Greif, Forbes Travel Guide
The judges said: Stuart’s support of women and businesses in the industry is incredibly valued, noticed, and appreciated. He is a leading example for many men on being an Ally in the industry.
Finalists: David Atkin, Sanderson Phillips and Ed Lines, Google
Highly commended: Rachel Storey, Contiki
COMPANY
Winner: KOTO (Know One Teach One) [Vietnam]
The judges said: KOTO shows strong allyship ethos and empowerment to foster a culture of inclusive thinking, practice, policies and support for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups.
Finalists: Greether and Intrepid Travel
