With the theme: “Speak Up. Stand Out. Be the Voice that Inspires Inclusion” the highly anticipated Inspiring Women in Travel – Asia (IWTA) Awards 2024 returned to recognise and celebrate women. In its second avatar, IWTA Awards 2024 continues to inspire women at all levels to confidently be seen and heard, while showcasing leading organisations that afford women equal opportunities to grow and succeed in a respectful and safe environment.
This event held on Saturday 27th April 2024, at the Grand Ballroom, InterContinental Bangkok, Thailand witnessed a full house of 450 guests , showcasing the immense support for women-centric events within the industry.
In an unconventional yet refreshing opening, the event was initiated by Gary Marshall’s 15 year old daughter, Jasmine Marshall. She went on to say; “Dad, last year you invited me to step out of my comfort zone and join you on stage to translate your speech. Well, I did it and this year, I’m turning the tables and inviting you to step out of your comfort zone and open the evening with your inspiring words. “In the spirit of tonight’s theme “speak up”, “stand out”, and “be the voice that inspires inclusion”. Affectionately called ‘Jaz’, Jasmine Marshall has already won hearts with her incredible stage presence and Thai language translation skills.
Opening the event, Gary Marshall, CEO, Brand TD by Travel Daily Media said: “I am thrilled to see so many of you here to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Inspiring women who have already made an indelible mark on the travel and hospitality industry.
Letting women shine brighter than ever, we can change the face of the travel industry. And, as men and women continue to come together to support and uplift one another, we will create a brighter future for us all.”
The recipients of the IWTA Awards 2024 exhibited unparalleled innovation, creativity, and dedication across various categories, ranging from sustainable tourism initiatives to technological advancements and exceptional customer service. Each winner stood as a shining example of excellence and has set new standards for the industry to aspire to.
The IWTA Awards 2024 not only celebrated the achievements of the winners but also served as a platform to foster collaboration and encourage the exchange of ideas among industry professionals. Attendees had the opportunity to network, share insights, and forge valuable partnerships that will undoubtedly drive innovation and propel the travel industry forward.
The atmosphere was charged with optimism, enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of purpose. The event served as a reminder that the travel industry continues to adapt and thrive, fuelled by the passion, determination, and ingenuity of the remarkable individuals and organisations. Looking ahead, the IWTA Awards will continue to serve as a beacon of excellence, honouring and inspiring women who shape the future of travel.
IWTA Awards 2024 was sponsored by AirAsia, Minor Hotels, BCD Travel, Agliysys Hospitality Solutions and Intrepid Travel.
Gary further stated: “I am humbled and proud to have the opportunity to showcase Brand TD by Travel Daily Media as a platform that supports and amplifies such important initiatives.
This achievement is truly a testament to the tremendous teamwork of many individuals whose dedication and effort are invaluable. While it’s impossible to name everyone involved, I trust that each person knows how deeply their contributions are cherished.
A heartfelt thank you to Chris Head, Kanchan Nath, Khun Thoe, Khun Pang, Khun Guang from Brand TD, and the remarkable members of our Inspiring Women in Travel Asia – IWTA committee: Michaela Connor, Joana Button, Sunny Yu, Donna Campbell, Marta Grutka and our esteemed advisor and friend, Khun M.L.laksasubha Kridakon, your passion and commitment are truly commendable.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each one of you for your dedication and perseverance and the time you donate.
Lastly, I wish to pay tribute to the greatest source of inspiration in my life – my beloved mother, who passed away 1.5 years ago at 99.5 years of age. She was the epitome of grace, kindness, and wisdom, imparting invaluable life lessons and values. Her selflessness, unwavering integrity, and genuine, infectious smile touched the hearts of many. For her, life was not measured by wealth, but by the richness of family values, honesty, and spreading joy to others.
May we all strive to emulate her virtues and remember that true wealth lies in the depth of our character, the sincerity of our actions, and the impact we have on those around us.”
Stay riveted for our next gala event, The Brand Travel Daily Media Travel Excellence Awards that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals in the travel, airline, and hospitality industry. They are scheduled to take place in 11 October, 2024
For inquires, to attend or sponsor next awards, kindly email here: Gary@traveldailymedia.com
If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to nominate, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!
The prestigious IWTA Awards 2024 Award Winners are listed below:
AWARD | Winner’s Name | Position | Company |
Rising Star in Travel – Hotel & Hospitality Sector | Daun Jeong | Just Say SO Manager | SO/ Bangkok |
Rising Star in Travel – Travel Tech Sector | Natenapit Chaisalee | Founder | The KPI Plus Co., Ltd |
Management Champion Award -Travel Agent, DMC & Tour Operator Sector | Michelle Gao | Regional Manager, Mekong region | Booking.com |
Management Champion Award – Hotel & Hospitality Sector | Karuna Laosakhul | Business Development Manager for Accor Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, & Myanmar | Accor |
Management Champion Award – Travel Tech Sector | Regina Lourenco | Head Strategic Partnerships Regional Chains, APAC & Regional Manager | Hotelbeds |
Executive Woman Champion – Travel Agent, DMC & Tour Operator Sector | Lerdtida Williams | Company secretary & Co Founder | Trunk Travel Col.,Ltd |
Executive Woman Champion – Hotel & Hospitality Sector | Carina Chorengel | Senior Vice President – Commercial, Asia Pacific | Hyatt Hotels Corp |
Executive Woman Champion – Technology provider Sector | Pippa Williamson | Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific (APAC) | Hotelbeds |
Executive Woman Champion – Tourism Board & Travel Related Sector | Dalya Altuntepe | CEO | nüma tourism |
Woman of Synergy | Kunthari Sangchat | General Manager | SO-Sofitel Hua Hin |
Start-up Trailblazer | Nguyen Thi Huong Lien | I Love Hue Tour Company | |
Positive Disruptor | Michelle Ho | General Manager of Philippines and Thailand | Klook |
Forward Thinking Innovator | Preeti Naini | Product Manager, APAC | Go City |
Sustainable Development Advocate – Travel Agent, DMC & Tour Operator Sector | Aye Mya Mya Soe | General Manager Cambodia | Intrepid Travel |
Sustainable Development Advocate – Hotel & Hospitality Sector | Bobbie-Jane Gaylard-Skewes | General Manager | Selong Selo Lombok |
Sustainable Development Advocate – Cruise, Car, Rail & Airline Sector | Yap Mun Ching | Chief Sustainability Officer | Air Asia |
Sustainable Development Advocate – Tourism Board & Travel Related Sector | Trang Nguyen | Senior Consultant, Sustainable Tourism | Clickable Impact Consulting Group |
Community Champion & Humanitarian Award | Potjana Suansri | Founder | Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute (CBT-I) |
Excellence in Mentoring | Dawn Jeremiah | Vice President, Global Brand Marketing | Go City |
Inspirational Entrepreneur | Hannah Pearson | Director | Pear Anderson |
IWTA Hall of Fame | Christine Galle-Luczak | Founder & CEO | Heavens Portfolio |
MOST INSPIRING WOMAN IN TRAVEL (ASIA) 2024 – Travel Agent, DMC & Tour Operator Sector | Sadia Haque | CEO & Co-Founder | ShareTrip Limited |
MOST INSPIRING WOMAN IN TRAVEL (ASIA) 2024 – Hotel & Hospitality Sector | Suphajee Suthumpun | Group CEO | Dusit International |
MOST INSPIRING WOMAN IN TRAVEL (ASIA) 2024 – Cruise, Car, Rail & Airline Sector | Mintira Sawangphong | Operations Supervisor | Ocean Marina Jomtien |
MOST INSPIRING WOMAN IN TRAVEL (ASIA) 2024 – Travel Tech Sector | Jintana Borin | Head of Market Development, APAC | Cloudbeds |
MOST INSPIRING WOMAN IN TRAVEL (ASIA) 2024 – Tourism Board & Travel Related Sector | Nisha Abu Bakar | Co-founder | World Women Tourism |
Brand TD Publisher’s Choice Award | Thapanee Kiatphaibool | Governor | Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) |
Brand TD Publisher’s Choice Award | Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya | President | Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) |