This year marks the launch of the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards, now open for nominations and searching for the most exceptional women working within the UK’s travel industry. 

The company says the UK’s travel sector has proven to be an economic phenomenon. With employment opportunities increasing at almost double the rate of the rest of the UK labour market since 2009, it is the third largest employer, accounting for 9.5% of total employment.

As the industry is looking ahead, the travel sector is predicted to create 70 million new jobs over the next 10 years worldwide.

However, despite 60% of employees in the travel industry being women, they represent only 15.8% of all board members and in a survey of 78 UK travel companies, over a quarter did not have a single female board member.

Although there have been numerous recent executive appointments of women in large UK-based travel organisations including Carolyn McCall (CEO, Easyjet), Harriet Green (former CEO, Thomas Cook) and Sally Balcombe (CEO, VisitBritain), women are still hugely underrepresented within senior-level roles.

To encourage more women in to the industry and ensure a strong pipeline of future talent, the everywoman in Travel Awards programme has been launched to recognise the achievements of women excelling at all stages of their career journey.

The 2017 everywoman in Travel Awards categories are as follows:

One to Watch – This is awarded to an individual in education/further education who demonstrates a passion for the travel industry. This award seeks to identify young game-changers.

Apprentice – An apprentice who is embracing the opportunities the industry offers.

TTG Media Tomorrow’s Leader – A woman under 30, making a significant contribution to the sector. The applicant must be under 30 as of 31 December 2017.

Entrepreneur – An owner / operator of a travel business that has been operating for three years or more, whose vision will inspire other women to start their own enterprise. Applicants must own a minimum 50% shareholding.

Above & Beyond – A woman that has truly gone above and beyond her role to help drive the organisation’s success. This applies to a woman at any stage of her career.

Team Leader – A woman whose team leadership has greatly contributed to the organisation’s success.

Leader – A woman making a significant contribution to the strategic direction of the business.

Woman of the Year – An extraordinary woman whose passion, success and accessibility makes her an exceptional role model and a great industry ambassador.

Nominations are open until 8 September 2017 and winners will be announced at an awards luncheon at East Wintergarden on 16 November 2017.