08.45
Registration / breakfast networking
09.45
Welcome from OutThere and Malta Tourism Authority
Uwern Jong (he/him), OutThere and Tolene van der Merwe (she/her), Malta Tourism Authority
09.55
Welcome from The Dorchester Collection
Eugenio Pirri (he/him), The Dorchester Collection
10.10
Panel: The power of an inclusive, intercultural workspace
Moderated by Jane Grammer (she/her), The Dorchester Collection.
Panellists: Rosina Budhani (she/her), Intercultural Trainer and DEI Consultant; Shelly Voecks (she/her), Scott Dunn; and Tom Proctor (they/them), The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences
10.45
The Iconic Series: Intersectionality, defining today’s traveller. In partnership with Scott Dunn
Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir (she/her), Moonlight Experiences
11.00
Fireside chat: Race and the luxury travel industry.
Vincent Jones (he/him), Black Luxury Travel Network and Uwern Jong (he/him), OutThere
11.25
Coffee break
12.00
The Iconic Series: Ageism – the last acceptable discrimination? In partnership with Scott Dunn
Debbie Marshall (she/her), Silver Marketing Association
12.10
Panel: Breaking barriers, building bridges: Empowering women in luxury travel and hospitality.
Moderated by Hollie-Rae Brader (she/her), Aspire.
Panellists: Alessandra Alonso (she/her)Women in Travel CIC; Laura Dove (she/her), Allbright; Pegi Amarteifio (she/her), Small Luxury Hotels of the World
12.45
The Iconic Series: Transgender and non-gender binary travel: The future is trans inclusive. In partnership with Scott Dunn.
Marley Conte (they/them)
12.55
Beyond the rainbow: What’s next for LGBTQ+ travel?
Moderated by Uwern Jong (he/him), OutThere.
Panellists: Cynthia Ontivares (she/her), Los Cabos Tourism Board; Lexie Shaibu-Lenoir (she/her), Queer Weddings; LoAnn Halden (she/her), IGLTA
13.30
Lunch and networking
14.30
Keynote speaker
Michael Caines MBE (he/him), Lympstone Manor, Relais & Chateaux
14.55
Inspirational icons: Inclusip! Zowmelier’s no/lo alc ‘collectivity’. In partnership with Aspire.
Namai Bishop (she/her), Zowmelier
15.10 Inspirational icons: Art & Hospitality as a force for good. In partnership with Aspire.
Patrick McCrae (he/him), Artiq
15.25
The Iconic Series: Indigenous Tourism. In partnership with Scott Dunn.
Sally Cope (she/her), Tourism Australia
15.35
Panel: Navigating disability: Paving the way for accessibility.
Moderator: Hollie-Rae Brader (she/her), Aspire.
Panellists: Henny Frazer (she/her), ÀNI Private Resorts; Ian Callen (he/him), Go Beyond Holidays; Richard Thompson (he/him), Inclu Travel
16.15
Panel: Inclusive storytelling: A need for diversity in travel media.
Moderator: Sarah Siese (she/her).
Panellists: Carmen Roberts (she/her), BBC; Mathura Premaruban (she/her), Communications Consultant; Tolene van der Merwe (she/her), Malta Tourism Authority
16.50
Wrap up and thank you
Speakers (in order of appearance)
Uwern Jong (he/him) | Experientialist®-in-Chief | OutThere
Uwern is Experientialist®-in-Chief and co-Founder at OutThere, a multi-award luxury and experiential travel media brand rooted in its core values of diversity, discovery and discernment. A luxury travel expert, hotel aficionado and inclusive and intersectional tourism advocate, Uwern has won numerous awards for his journalism and work in DEAI in travel and was recently awarded by the Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) as LGBTQ+ Travel Trailblazer of the Year and by Walpole (the association of British luxury brands) as one of the top 50 most influential people in British luxury. He also heads up OutThere’s global event series. He consults with several amazing destinations and brands, helping them diversify their content and visual assets, including Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Visit Malta and Belmond. He is also a tourism brand ambassador for the city of Stockholm. Until recently, he served 7 years on the board of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). | LinkedIn | @uwern
Tolene van der Merwe (she/her) | Director UK & Ireland | Malta Tourism Authority
Tolene is a senior marketing and operations professional. In 2019, she became Director of UK & Ireland for the Malta Tourism Authority, heading up the country’s destination marketing activities for the region. With extensive experience in Marketing, Brand Management and Business Development, she has a proven track record of effective and successful creation of marketing strategies, exceeding sales targets, and leading teams. Originally from South Africa and armed with a passion for travel and new experiences, she has a long pedigree in the tourism industry and is a passionate advocate for responsible travel, and diversity and inclusion in tourism, introducing award-winning LGBTQ+ campaigns during her tenure. Tolene is on the advisory board for the AITO diversity and inclusion project and is a board member for ANTOR. | LinkedIn | @tolenevdmerwe
Eugenio Pirri (he/him) | co-Chief Executive Officer | Dorchester Collection
Eugenio Pirri has dedicated his 30-year career to ensuring that people are the cornerstone of every business decision. An ardent and award-winning advocate for diversity and inclusion across all aspects of operation, Eugenio joined Dorchester Collection in 2011 as Vice President, People and Organisational Development from his previous position as regional HR director of Fairmont Hotels and Resort. He was appointed Chief People and Culture Officer in 2017 and then onto his Chief Culture and Operational Executive role in 2021, where he directs all aspects of hotel operations, culture, guest engagement and ESG. Today he is the proud CEO of Dorchester Collection. Eugenio studied Tourism & Hospitality, as well as Employment Law and Human Rights in Vancouver, Canada before holding several leadership positions within the hospitality trade. | LinkedIn | @epirridc
Jane Grammer (she/her) | Belonging and Employee Wellbeing Manager | Dorchester Collection
Driven by her personal experiences caring for a disabled sibling while navigating the world as a bi woman, championing diversity and inclusion has always been a personal mission for Jane. Until recently, her mission was grounded in the corporate world helping global organisations foster inclusive work environments. She has brought this experience to Dorchester Collection where she leads the organisation’s global Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging strategy. | LinkedIn | @jane.grammer
Rosina Budhani (she/her) | Intercultural Trainer and DEI Consultant
Rosina’s extensive career spans diverse sectors, including the lifestyle and hospitality industries, as well as the charity sector. Over her 20 years plus of experience she has made meaningful contributions to organisations like Cancer Research UK, Comic Relief, and Save the Children, where her communication expertise played a pivotal role in driving their missions forward.
However, it wasn’t until she moved from London to Berlin in 2012 and joined the PR team at Design Hotels, where she held the role of Head of PR, that her career reached a pivotal moment. Despite making significant strides in the strategic launch communications of newly opening hotels worldwide, promoting the brand and enhancing its reputation, in 2021 Rosina took the bold step to turn away from this successful career towards a more profound, meaningful and ultimately necessary purpose.
Advocating for intercultural communications and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the hospitality sector. Her motivation for this change stems from a deep belief that the future of hospitality hinges on intercultural awareness and the lasting commitment to providing inclusive experiences for everyone, staff and guests alike, regardless of age, abilities, beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Rosina is a staunch believer in the transformative power of education and storytelling. She champions the idea that through crafted communication, we can change the prevailing narrative, and shift the human instinct of fear and distrust of the “other” into one of understanding and unity. And so build a better world for us all. | LinkedIn | @rosinabudhani
Shelly Voecks (she/her) | Chief-People-Officer | Scott Dunn
Shelly Voecks has been the Chief People Officer at luxury tour operator Scott Dunn since August 2019. Shelly supported Scott Dunn’s team through the incredibly challenging Covid-19 pandemic, delivered a culture transformation resulting in a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and recently led the HR due diligence for Inflexion’s sale of Scott Dunn to Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australian-listed travel company.
Shelly brings over two decades of experience in senior HR roles in a variety of industries, including tech, telecoms, marketing & data analytics, and manufacturing. She has led global teams on four continents and brings HR expertise to M&A transactions. Shelly is a passionate advocate of Scott Dunn’s core values: In the Detail, In the Know and Inspiring. | LinkedIn | @shelly_voecks
Tom Proctor (they/them) | People & Culture Manager | The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
With a passion for advocacy shaped by personal experiences as a queer and non-binary person, Tom has spent their career championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). They’ve been a driving force in creating an inclusive workplace at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, resulting in the company’s recent nominations for excellence in Diversity & Inclusion at both the HR in Hospitality and Springboard Awards.
Believing that belonging is about enabling individuals to be their authentic selves at work, Tom emphasises the importance of fostering a culture where leaders understand and support the diverse identities and needs of their team members. In a multicultural setting, Tom strategically navigates the delicate balance between commercial concerns and maintaining a supportive organisational culture.
For Tom, DEIB is not a standalone focus but a lens through which all aspects of the organisation should be viewed. Tom’s areas of focus also include leveraging AI as a social equaliser while remaining vigilant about potential biases it may perpetuate. They are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone is not only included but celebrated for their uniqueness. | LinkedIn | @tomfproctor
Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir (she/her) | Founder | Moonlight Experiences
In 2019, Aisha founded Moonlight Experiences, a pioneering LGBTQ+ travel company dedicated to queer culture and history. Through her work, Aisha strives to educate and facilitate understanding by decolonising travel to make it more accessible. Her team, comprised of 25+ LGBTQ+ activists and creatives, hosts trips worldwide from Europe to Africa to Asia.
She is also Contiki’s LGBTQ+ Ambassador and works with other organisations including Airbnb, where she serves as a Community leader.
Being Black British with roots in Ghana and Nigeria, Aisha noticed the concerning trend that tourism services for the queer community primarily catered to white gay men. This led her to create visibility and opportunities for others who look like her. | LinkedIn | @aisha_shaibu_lenoir
Vincent Jones (he/him) | co-Founder | Black Luxury Travel Network
Vincent Jones is an innovative connector driven by his personal mantra to do good, have fun, and help others do the same. He is Founding CEO & Chief Experience Curator of Citizen Jones Travel, a boutique travel advisory practice based in West Hollywood serving diverse explorers who seek to connect with like-minded souls around the world.
Recently, Vincent co-founded the Black Luxury Travel Network to create spaces for Black people in the travel trade working in the luxury sector to connect with each other in order to grow their businesses and to help the sector provide better service to luxury Black travellers.
Vincent’s career spans the worlds of philanthropy, non-profits, politics, government, communications and social entrepreneurship, as well as travel. | LinkedIn | @citizenjonestravel
Debbie Marshall (she/her) | Founder | Silver Marketing Association
Debbie has over 35 years’ industry experience, mainly in travel, and including 12 years in the broader “silver” sector. Her roles have included Managing Director of Crystal Holidays, and at the helm of award-winning villa specialist CV Villas and its sister company Ski Verbier.
Debbie founded Silver Travel Advisor in 2011, the information, reviews and advice website for mature travellers, which was voted Best Travel Reviews website at the British Travel Awards in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and she was also a finalist in the Everywoman Travel Awards and the AWTE Business Impact Awards.
In 2021, with Silver Travel Advisor moving to new ownership, Debbie widened her experience in the silver sector and set up the Silver Marketing Association with a team of industry veterans. She is passionate about ethical and responsible marketing to older consumers, and calling out ageism, which is something she now witnesses first-hand!
Debbie is Chair for Dementia Adventure and keeps a strong connection with the travel industry as a non-executive director of Bailey Robinson, Real Holidays & Villa Collective. | LinkedIn | @debbiemsilver
Hollie-Rae Brader (she/her) | Editor | Aspire
Hollie-Rae Brader is the editor and driving force behind the UK’s leading luxury travel trade publication, Aspire. With over a decade in the industry, her focus on luxury for the past seven years has set her apart as one of the most respected journalists in the field. In her role, Hollie-Rae drives Aspire‘s editorial content across print, digital, and events. This includes moderating and presenting Aspire’s Leaders of Luxury conference and the esteemed Aspire Awards, as well as presenting at wider industry events.
Starting at Travel Weekly in 2013 as a junior writer, Hollie-Rae swiftly climbed the ranks to become Aspire’s editor in 2016. Her journalistic roots include The Ipswich Star and the East Anglian Daily Times.
Beyond the headlines, Hollie-Rae partners with numerous clients, educating the trade on new and emerging products, and contributes to the growth and success of luxury sellers in the business. | LinkedIn | @hollierae
Alessandra Alonso (she/her) | Managing Director | Women in Travel CIC
Alessandra Alonso, MBA FRSA is a multi-award winner travel and hospitality professional with 25 years of experience working in senior roles in leading organisations including WTTC (the World Travel and Tourism Council) and KPMG, as well as an independent consultant, social entrepreneur, and advisor.
In 2004 she was recognised as a ‘trailblazer’ and ‘one of the most important women in travel.’ Her many accolades speak for Alessandra’s commitment to making the industry more inclusive, diverse, and equitable. Alessandra’s in-depth expertise in diversity and inclusion was developed over two decades and she now supports and works with companies and organisations including Google, Intrepid Travel, Cosmos and Expedia in their quest for inclusivity and diversity through her social enterprise Women in Travel CIC as well as independently.
Alessandra’s expertise covers a wide range of areas including strategy, training and facilitation, mentoring & coaching, inclusive recruitment, and talent management. Alessandra is a sought-after speaker and regular contributor to publications and books. She is a qualified coach-mentor; holds an MBA and has completed formal DEI qualifications with DEI Leaders (UK) and the University of South Florida (USA). | LinkedIn | @womenintravel_cic
Laura Dove (she/her) | Chief Operating Officer | Allbright
Laura Dove is the Chief Operating Officer for AllBright, the world’s largest female network with a flagship member’s club in Mayfair, London. She is passionate about bringing this concept to the world’s stage as she looks to expand the brand this year.
Laura is a trained Le Cordon Bleu chef, sommelier and hospitality expert who has opened more than 20 hospitality concepts globally. She has ventured from Paris to Sydney to New York to launch global luxury brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Viceroy Hotel Group and Virgin Hotels.
She has been with AllBright since 2019 where she leads the business in creating membership, community and global expansion. She uses her experience and club to mentor University and community programs for students. | LinkedIn | @allbright
Pegi Amartiefio (she/her) | VP, Global PR & Communications | Small Luxury Hotels of the World
With over two decades of experience in public relations and communications, Pegi has honed her expertise working with luxury travel, beauty, and consumer brands. For the past 17 years, she has focused exclusively on luxury travel, promoting some of the world’s most luxurious destinations and hotels.
Since joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) in 2016, Pegi has assumed a leadership role overseeing global communications for the brand’s expansive portfolio of 550 hotels spanning 90 countries. She manages an in-house team and collaborates with various international PR consultancies to execute a robust programme of innovative PR outreach and campaigns. Within the close-knit team at SLH, Pegi also works with a dedicated team to drive the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, a role that encompasses the successful launch two years ago of the Considerate Collection— SLH’s actively sustainable luxury hotel collection. | LinkedIn | @ms_pegi
Marley Conte (they/them)
Marley is a freelance speaker, writer, and consultant, passionate about Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion, particularly for Trans rights. As a Non-Binary person and parent of one, they combine their transition and lived experience with writing, blogging, and speaking to improve Trans and LGBTQ+ inclusion and rights. Marley is devoted to creating resources for Trans/Non-Binary parents, sharing their journey and stories as a Trans/Non-Binary parent on their Instagrams. | LinkedIn | @thenonbinaryparent
Cynthia Ontivares (she/her) | Special Segments Manager | Los Cabos Tourism Board
Cynthia heads up international marketing for the LGBTQ+ traveller and golf traveller segment at the Los Cabos Tourism Board. | LinkedIn | @cynontiv
Lexie Shaibu-Lenoir (she/her) | Founder | Queer Weddings UK
Lexie is a Parisian living in London since 2003. She is part of queer, BIPOC influencer brand @thequeernomads, along with her partner of four and a half years, Aisha Shaibu, of Moonlight Experiences.
A wedding and events professional for the past 15 years, she founded Queer Weddings UK during the pandemic, recognising a huge gap in the market for unique weddings outside the stereotypical LGBT box. In addition, she is on a mission to increase the visibility of queer women of colour in the travel industry and media, through her lived experiences, travelling across the world to showcase, feature and uplift marginalised voices by working with brands and companies that align with her values.
She is head of Operations for UK Black Pride and a member of Belmond’s landmark LGBTQ+ Commerical Committee. | LinkedIn | @lexie_shaibu_lenoir
LoAnn Halden (she/her) | Vice President of Communications | IGLTA
LoAnn Halden is the Vice President-Communications for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. In her role, LoAnn frequently speaks to global media outlets about LGBTQ+ tourism trends and has participated in travel sessions for consumers and trade on five continents, including WTM Africa, Barcelona LGBTI Tourism Summit, the New York Times Travel Show, GNetwork360 in Buenos Aires and the JATA Expo in Tokyo. She is based in Fort Lauderdale, home to IGLTA headquarters, and London. | LinkedIn | @iglta
Michael Caines MBE (he/him) | Chef Patron | Lympstone Manor, Relais & Chateaux
Michael Caines MBE, chef patron of Lympstone Manor, is known as one of Britain’s most celebrated and acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs. Having grown up in the South West of England, Michael has earned a global reputation for his distinctive modern cuisine, which champions the finest local produce and suppliers, combined with influences from his global travels. After attending a local Catering College in Exeter Michael’s talent was evident and this was followed by three years at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with Raymond Blanc.
He then furthered his experience travelling to France to study under Bernard Loiseau and Joël Robuchon. In 1994 Michael returned to the UK to take up the position of head chef at Gidleigh Park in his home county of Devon. It was at Gidleigh that Michael achieved two Michelin stars. Both of which he retained for 18 years and earned within just four.
After 21 years at Gidleigh, in April 2017 Michael struck out on his own, opening Lympstone Manor – the luxury 21-bedroom country house hotel in a Grade II Georgian mansion in East Devon. Lympstone achieved its first Michelin star within six months of opening. The hotel now holds 5 AA Rosettes as of the AA Hospitality Awards 2020.
Keen to keep Lympstone fresh, Michael has built a vineyard on site, overlooking the Exe estuary and featuring approximately 17,500 vines. Lympstone is also the home to the motoring festival – Celebration of Speed – an annual event commemorating Michael’s love of all things motoring. In 2006 Michael was awarded an MBE for contributions and services to the hospitality industry and made a Freeman of the City of Exeter for his work impassioning the hospitality industry in the local area.
Michael also created the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College – of which he is alumnus – as well as The Michael Caines Foundation which supports numerous charities including Families for Children, Farms for City Children, The Exeter Foundation, One for the Boys, WESC and Devon Wildlife Trust. Firmly rooting himself in the South West, Michael’s other projects include The Cove Restaurant and Bar at Maenporth, The Harbourside Refuge in Porthleven and 2021 will welcome a fourth site, Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant on the Exmouth shoreside. Michael is a familiar face on television, appearing regularly on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Great British Menu and MasterChef and has authored a cookbook, Michael Caines at Home.
He is an AA Chef’s Chef of the Year and has cooked at 10 Downing Street as well as being partner and ambassador for the Williams Formula 1 Motor Racing team, overseeing catering for the Grand Prix across the globe. Michael is also the co-founder of UK hotel chain, aBode and the Chef Representative of the luxury hotel group, Relais & Chateaux, of which Lympstone is a proud member. More recently, Michael created a selection of all-natural flavours for premium US-based CBD soda brand, Isca. | LinkedIn | @macaines
Namai Bishop (she/her) | Founder and MD | LuxePrivé / Zowmelier
Namai Bishop is Founder and MD of LuxePrivé a 15-year, award-winning Luxury Lifestyle and bespoke Travel design agency.
Recognised as best in class (finest travel design agency / best luxury platform winner, multiple times) LuxePrivé boasts an enviable loyalty rate amongst its established top-tier client base comprising mostly London, USA and UAE family offices and Ultra High Net Worth individuals.
She is an accomplished international lawyer, having qualified and worked at the world’s largest international firm Clifford Chance LLP. As a dual jurisdiction lawyer (qualified UK Solicitor / plus NY State Attorney) specialising in Intellectual Property, Namai travelled extensively advising some of the largest international companies on brand strategy and development.
Namai is also the International Editor of Yes Chef Magazine, having produced many valuable features on prominent Chefs and restaurants at hotels and Curator of destination food and beverage concepts in conjunction with luxury hotels and hospitality brands, as well as at food festivals internationally.
Namai is Director at BritSpirit, a UK C.I.C. and its “Zowmelier” program. Zowmelier is a division of LuxePrivé and supports BritSpirit C.I.C. (Community Interest Company) set up by Namai Bishop during the pandemic lockdown. BritSpirit evolved from promoting the conversion of leading UK refined beverage producers’ “spirits to hand sanitiser” for key workers during emergency measures, to promoting mindful and health-conscious drinking.
Pioneer of the world’s first ‘Zowmelier’ service: A spin on traditional sommelier service, Namai Bishop aka Zowmelier takes a fresh approach by curating bespoke no/lo wine pairings and tailored drinks menu options for hotels, pubs and restaurants, to elevate the dining experience of those guests opting not to drink, for diverse reasons spanning mindfulness, health, social, religious or simply who are sober-curious. A powerful platform in the underserved F&B inclusivity sector, its mission is to normalise diversity in choice and inclusivity for all in how we choose to travel, revel and collectively socialise: Cheers to all! | LinkedIn | @zowmelier.now
Patrick McCrae (he/him) | CEO | Artiq
Patrick McCrae is the co-founder and CEO of Artiq, an international art agency that connects its clients with the cultural world, curating collections and experiences while guaranteeing fair pay for artists. Founded in 2009, it has become one of Europe’s leading art agencies, demonstrating the viability of the cultural economy while championing a diverse roster of creative practitioners.
Under Patrick’s leadership, Artiq is at the forefront of empowering businesses, hospitality spaces, and higher education institutions to articulate their values and social responsibility pledges through art, curating exhibitions and events that celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and creativity.
In 2018, Patrick founded Queer Frontiers, an annual charity exhibition programme featuring LGBTQ+ and ally artists. In conjunction with Pride in London, this event highlights global LGBTQ+ inequality and Artiq’s commitment to inclusivity. So far, it has raised over £70,000 for charities working with causes close to the LGBTQ+ community.
By putting the power of contemporary art to play outside the traditional gallery space, Artiq has paid over £5 million to artists in the last three years alone, built a roster of thousands of practitioners, and completed projects in 23 countries. | LinkedIn | @patrick.mccrae
Sally Cope (she/her) | Regional General Manager | Tourism Australia
Sally Cope was appointed to the role of Regional General Manager, United Kingdom and Northern Europe in 2018. She oversees Australia’s fourth largest international inbound tourism market. Cope was previously at Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA), where she was Executive Officer and responsible for the leading wine tourism consortium, representing Australia’s premium winery experiences and is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences portfolio.
Cope has over 25 years’ experience within the travel and tourism industry, previously holding leadership positions at Anthology, Voyages Hotel and Resorts, and Qantas Holidays. | LinkedIn | @australia
Henny Frazer (she/her) | Chief Marketing Officer | ÀNI Private Resorts
Henny’s professional journey kickstarted in an interior design firm, where a South of France hotel was among the clients, setting the stage for her unexpected venture into the realm of travel. Transitioning into the world of luxury, she made her mark in public relations at Moët-Hennessy, infusing a lifestyle-centric approach into esteemed champagnes and wines. 2005 marked her entry into Hyatt, initially as Director of Marketing Communications.
Over time, she ascended the corporate ladder, ultimately attaining the position of Director of Brands for EMEA and Southwest Asia based in Zurich. Henny then made a move to AMAN as the Global Director of Hotel Marketing, and in 2022, she assumed the role of Chief Marketing Officer at ANI Private Resorts. In this capacity, her responsibilities extend beyond marketing, encompassing the entire commercial facet of the company. As a dedicated lifelong traveller, Henny passionately advocates for positive industry changes, aiming to create meaningful impacts through luxury travel experiences in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations. | LinkedIn | @hennyfrazer
Ian Callen (he/him) | Director | Go Beyond Holidays
Ian Callen is Founder of Go Beyond Holidays. He researches and plans all of the holidays and travels for the company, as well as attends every supported holiday with their small team to support the group in enjoying their time away.
Supporting people to travel and see other cultures and landscapes is a beautiful, collective experience that Ian thrives on. He trained as a teacher in horticulture and conservation and worked on a farm teaching horticulture to people with autism, learning disabilities and other support needs, until moving to Provence, France, in 2007 to teach in a school for dyslexic children.
It was there he started Go Beyond Holidays in 2009. The idea for supported holidays first came about when trying to organise a visit to Provence for all his students from the farm where he taught, who wanted to see how he was getting on in France.
Richard Thompson (he/him) | Founder | Inclu Travel
Richard is the co-founder and CEO of Inclu. For over 26 years Richard has tirelessly applied his vision, knowledge, commitment and passion for making travel accessible and inclusive – everywhere, to everyone.
Richard’s journey is a heady fusion of forty years in the tourism industry, independent exploration across 70+ countries and half a lifetime turning adversity to his advantage after he had his own life-changing personal injury. He has rekindled travel ambitions for those who thought their travelling days were over and made impossible dreams into memorable reality. And this isn’t tempered by how complex a person’s additional requirements are or where in the world they want to explore. Richard is invited to educate and enlighten the travel and tourism industries across the globe and is regarded by the UK legal profession as the country’s leading accessible travel authority and called on for expert opinion to the Courts. And now as co-founder and CEO of Inclu, delivering a new generation of education, connectivity and support to transform the landscape of opportunity for our industry and most importantly, for those who would travel if only we gave them the confidence to do so. | LinkedIn
Sarah Siese (she/her) | co-Chair 23/24 | British Guild of Travel Writers
For the last decade, Sarah’s career has focused on writing about experiential travel, covering an eclectic mix of culture, Eco, adventure and pampering for various media including books, magazines and newspapers, online media, national and international TV.
She has published four specialist books under the Heaven on Earth banner covering: the world’s most charismatic hotels; family holidays; Eco travel; and honeymoon islands. Sarah has an excellent reputation within the tourism industry underpinned by up-to-the-minute hotel knowledge, a reliable track record as a freelancer, and a picky eye as a commissioning editor. She is highly self-motivated with strong commercial nous and market awareness and works closely with a variety of luxury travel partnerships, brands, and tourist boards across the world. She was co-chair of the British Guild of Travel Writers for 23/24. | LinkedIn | @heavenonearth.co.uk
Carmen Roberts (she/her) | Presenter | BBC Travel Show
Carmen Roberts is an ward winning TV presenter on the BBC’s Travel Show with over 20 years international experience, presenting and reporting from more than 80 countries. She reported from the devastated resort town of Phuket after the Asian Tsunami in 2004, produced a programme aboard the world’s longest flight, filmed on board the world’s largest cruise ship, went behind the scenes of the world’s most efficient high-speed train service in Japan and reported from one of the world’s most secretive countries – North Korea. | LinkedIn | @carmenroberts_travels
Mathu Premaruban (she/her) | Travel Communications Consultant
Mathu Premaruban is a strategic communications consultant specialising in travel and lifestyle. She is currently spearheading a series of projects for Brand USA (the international destination marketing organisation for the USA), curating impactful stories that reflect the diversity of the nation as well the wealth and breadth of experiences to be enjoyed across the country. | LinkedIn | @mathu.premaruban