2021 Programme

TAKING STOCK OF WHERE WE ARE AND GETTING READY FOR RECOVERY

• Alessandra Alonso, Founder IWTTF and MD Women in Travel cic

• Zina Bencheikh IWTTF 2021 Chair and MD, EMEA INTREPID GROUP

• Laura Storm, Founder of Regenerators, co-author of Regenerative Leadership and WEF Young Global Leader

15:15 to 15:20 – Short break with video showcase

In 2019 travel and tourism had been on a growth trajectory for over a decade and was generating 1 in ten jobs worldwide as well as 10% of total GDP according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Then came 2020 and the industry grounded to a halt – with women being the most widely and deeply affected (job wise; care-wise; health-wise and more).

• In 2021 we must now ask the question: how has 2020 impacted the travel and tourism industry, and women working within it, globally?
• What have we learnt as women and as leaders and what matters?
• What do we want to retain and what must be ditched forever?
• What do we want the industry to be like in the next 10 or 20 years?

• John Bevan – CEO, Europe DNATA Travel
• Natalia Bayona – Director, Innovation, Education and Investments. UNWTO
• Ana Brant Global Director – Guest Research & Experience Design Dorchester Collection
• Julia Lo Bue-Said – CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership
• Jenny Southan – Editor and Founder, Globetrender
• Moderated by Lucy Huxley – Editor in Chief Travel Weekly Group

• Zina Bencheikh IWTTF 2021 Chair and MD, EMEA INTREPID GROUP

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM

• Please refer to the specific page

• Hosted by WIT CIC – By Invitation

In 2020 women have played a central role in keeping communities together. The travel and tourism sector has witnessed greater collaboration, stronger community building, widespread innovation and greater focus on inclusion and social justice.

How can we build on this positive outcomes to ensure the industry continues to thrive with all women and all individual at its core?

• Aisha Shaibu, Founder, Moonlight Experiences & Head of Community, UK Black Pride
• JoAnna Haugen – Founder, Rooted
• Lola Akerstrom – Co-Founder, Local Purse, Author and Photographer
• Casey Hanisko – President, ATTA
• Sophie Hartman – International Aid Network Coordinator ASSET – H&C
• Moderator – Mariette du Toit Helmbold, Founder, Destinate

15:15 to 15:20 – Short break with video showcase

• Alessandra Alonso – MD, Women in Travel cic
• Klaudjia Janzelj – Acting MD Urban Adventures/Intrepid
• Aurela Hoxhaj, London Tour Guide
• Sefanit Mengiste, London Tour Guide

• Alessandra Alonso – MD, Women in Travel cic

TALENT THROUGH A GENDER AND INCLUSION LENS

• Dr Mariana Aldrigu – University of Sao Paulo, Board Chair Consehlo Turismo Fecomercio SP

Travel is increasingly reliant on technology at every levels. In 2020, we have seen technology taking centre stage in our workplace and even the most reluctant amongst us have succumbed to the use of Zoom, digital platforms and other tech.

Women in travel technology however remain an oddity. Specifically, women do not associate travel and tourism with technology and often perceive technology as being outside their comfort zone.Yet, it is well known that technology enables a more equitable recruitment process that benefits all women

Our distinguished panel will address what can be done to change the perception and promote travel tech careers and how we can use technology to empower women.

• Beth Taylor – Global Head of Marketing, ATPCO
• Zara Zamani – Head of disruptive technology, Metabytes
• Rita Varga – Managing Director of Raizup
• Caroline Mather – Marketing Director OAG
• Joseph Williams – Founder & CEO, IncludeAI
• Moderated by Edward Lines – Manager, Travel, Google

15:15 to 15:20 – Short break with video showcase

Learn how ATPCO, who provides the world-leading airline software for pricing and shopping data to airlines, GDSs, travel agencies, and tech companies, has accelerated their focus on adding more diversity to their talent to drive results.

Let’s talk inclusion, diversity, and leadership. Join ATPCO’s travel leaders and change makers as they share how they are driving results through different programs including Lead From the Front, Women in Technology, and multiple grassroots initiatives. Hear their stories focusing on mentoring, creating leadership opportunities, and developing a more inclusive community to drive better business decisions.

You’ll walk away with tangible steps on how to apply those tactics at your organization and get inspired.

• • Beth Taylor – Global Head of Marketing, ATPCO
  • Ulyana Uebersezig, Strategic Programs Manager, ATPCO
  • Seth Anagnostis, Head of Retailing, ATPCO
  • Christine Hudson, Commercial Operations Manager, ATPCO
  • Anne Kolodziej, Business Development Manager, ATPCO
  • Judy Yu, Product Manager, ATPCO

• Dr Mariana Aldrigui, University of Sao Paulo, Board Chair Consehlo Turismo Fecomercio SP

HOW DO WE BUILD AN INCLUSIVE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY?

Travel and tourism by its intrinsic nature is all about connecting people from across the globe and we often say that people and culture is at the heart of a destination. So by its very nature the travel industry should be leading the charge for diversity and inclusion, but as you delve deeper this is not reflected in the travel companies and travel media who promote the world around us.

Following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA in May 2020 and subsequent BLM movement, recycled conversations around racial inequality, social injustice, structural and institutionalised racism against People of Colour have been sparked. With only one in 33 leaders in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries in the UK identifying as being from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) background, as compared to 1 in 8 in the UK population, it’s time to push diversity in the travel industry to the top of the agenda as we rebuild and reimagine a better travel industry.

To have the most successful and well-rounded travel industry, representation of minority groups within the industry must improve. To invoke this change, the majority must help, support and advocate for the minority. If engaged correctly, allies hold the power and the key to stimulate positive change.

• Jamie-Lee Abtar – Executive Director for Bame, Women in Travel cic
• Eulanda Osagiede – Co-founder, HDYTI
• Uwern Jong – Editor-In-Chief, OutThere
• Rachel Luff – Global Inclusion Learning, Strategy Lead, Expedia Group

• Hosted by Google
• Pre-registered attendees

With an increased awareness and value placed on diversity following the #MeToo movements and the events surrounding #BlackLivesMatter there has been a lot of discussion around diversity, inclusion and what does good, inclusive marketing that reaches diverse audiences looks like. This panel will explore how travel brands and destinations can connect and engage with diverse audiences, building authentic brand partnerships as well as case studies and insights from the industry.

• Finnbar Cornwall – Head of Travel , Google
• Albert Kimbu – Senior Lecturer, Tourism, University of Surrey
• Jamie-Lee Abtar – Executive Director for Bame, Women in Travel cic
• Cecelia Adjei – Global Brand Partnerships Manager, VisitBritiain, VisitEngland
• Moderated by Juliet Kinsman – Sustainability Editor, Conde Nast Traveller and Founder, Bouteco

15:15 to 15:20 – Short break with video showcase

Access, skin-colour, social justice, religion, health, sexual orientation, all these and more can be reasons to discriminate travellers, Therefore destinations will be increasingly scrutinised as to how well they welcome visitors and deal with unwanted risk. Those who do not, will ultimately lose reputation and tourism dollars. But how do we ensure that destinations are safe and enjoyable for every traveller?

• Rhiannon Parker – COO, Intertek
• Martinique Lewis – Diversity in Travel Consultant & president, Black Travel Alliance
• Susie Albin-Najera – Manager of Los Cabos Tourism Board
• Katie Neeves – Trans Ambassador
• Moderated by Dr Rebecca Hawkins, Associate Director, Women in Travel cic

• Jamie-Lee Abtar – Executive Director for Bame, Women in Travel cic

THEME – USING MENTORING TO EMPOWER YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER

• Alessandra Alonso – MD, Women in Travel cic
• Danela Zagar – global brand manager, Intimina

• By Invitation
• Hugh King, Director of Business Development, UK & Europe, Battleface

The key to transforming and maintaining diversity, inclusion and equality at work

We will hear from Sue Unerman, Author of ‘the most important business book of the year’ (Esquire)

‘An important book for anyone who wants to attract and keep diverse talent’ Jan Gooding, Former Chair, Stonewall

• Sue Unerman – Author; Chief Transformation Officer, Mediacom
• Q&A moderated by Toby Horry, Group Brand Director, TUI

15:15 to 15:20 – Short break with video showcase

• Preregistered Attendees Breakout rooms

• • Recap and Close of Day 5
  • Key learnings from the week
  • Outcomes & New Projects
  • Social programme

• Alessandra Alonso , Founder IWTTF
• Zina Bencheikh, MD EMEA Intrepid Group

Saturday 15th May – VIRTUAL / IN PERSON TOURS by Intrepid