Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Founder of G Adventures
Entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist Bruce Poon Tip is the founder of G Adventures, an award-winning small-group adventure travel company and community tourism pioneer. Bridging backpacking and mainstream tourism, G Adventures is now the largest operator of its kind, active in 100 countries and hosting 200,000 travellers annually. In 2003, Bruce established the Planeterra Foundation to leverage tourism for social good, resulting in over 100 global community development projects. A global leader in social entrepreneurship, he has addressed the United Nations and global corporations, delivered keynote speeches at TED events, received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, been honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada, and named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016, 2006 and 2002. He is a New York Times best-selling author, and executive producer of the acclaimed documentary film, The Last Tourist.
Journalist, Broadcaster, and Sustainability Editor of Condé Nast Traveller
Juliet Kinsman has been an editor, journalist and broadcaster for almost three decades. The first Sustainability Editor of Condé Nast Traveller and the driving force behind the Standard's new sustainable-travel channel and six-part podcast, she's written and edited many travel guidebooks, recently The Green Edit: Travel — Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller (Ebury) and The Bucket List: Eco Experiences (Rizzoli). Founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, in 2015 she felt compelled to amplify sustainability stories from boutique eco hotels; she celebrates her favourites on BoutecoLoves.com. Her purpose-led non-profit consultancy Bouteco has produced the climate podcast series Funny Old World and the documentary, Changing Worlds in the Atlas Mountains about the charity, Education for All, in Morocco.
Co-Founder and MD
Smartseer
Andy Owen Jones is Co-Founder and MD of Smartseer and is one of the leading AI visionaries in the travel industry and a pioneer in applying AI to solve travel problems. Smartseer is a provider of AI decisioning approaches, and the company works with leading travel brands in the UK and DACH markets, developing practical measurable ways of using AI to enhance user experience and decision making. Andy’s experience of applying AI in the travel industry stretches beyond a decade and he also cofounded BD4.ai the winner of many awards in AI adoption. Prior to this he was the CEO of Amadeus’ Leisure division and Director of Leisure Strategy at the GDS. He was GM of IT at Virgin Atlantic and has previously worked for Deloitte Consulting, Natwest and British Airways where he introduced the First Class Sleeper Service. He also recently served as Chairman of Peakwork the leading German Leisure technologist. Andy is on the Board of Chain4Travel and the leads the Travolution Advisory Board.
President
MMGY Global EMEA
Caroline Moultrie is an award-winning global business leader and a seasoned expert in the travel and tourism industry. With her role as President at MMGY Global EMEA, she is the trusted advisor to some of the world's most prominent tourism destinations and brands. Caroline's clients represent the pinnacle of the global tourism sector, and she leverages her strategic insight, international marketing expertise, and her ability to stay ahead of the latest industry trends to drive their success. Caroline's leadership extends to overseeing the London teams at MMGY Global EMEA, where she deftly guides clients to achieve their goals through a combination of strategic vision and tactical implementation. Her invaluable industry knowledge and extensive network of contacts have been cultivated over a distinguished career that includes significant roles in the airport and airline sector. Her contributions to renowned brands such as Manchester Airport Group and Virgin Atlantic Airways have left an indelible mark on the industry. Before taking on her current role, Caroline Moultrie served as the Executive Vice President for Business Strategy at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Her senior-level experience at both WTTC and throughout her career informs her leadership style and positions her as a true thought leader within the travel and tourism industry. Caroline's dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence continue to shape the future of the global tourism landscape.
Sustainability Director
DER Touristik UK
Claire Ross is Sustainability Director for DER’s UK group – comprising Kuoni, Carrier, CV Villas, Kirker, Journey Latin America, and Jules Verne - and reports to DER Touristik UK CEO Francis Torrilla. She leads on sustainability topics, supporting with clear actions that are good for our businesses, our customers and our employees. Her whole career has been in travel and her interest in sustainability developed over the years from a belief that creating better business which benefits the planet and people can only create a more positive travel experience for everyone. In her previous role as Kuoni’s Product Director she recently led Kuoni’s carbon reduction programme and, in March last year, joined the board of Travelife for Accommodation. She is also a member of the ABTA sustainability committee and an ambassador for the DER Touristik Foundation. As well as leading on sustainability topics in her professional role, Claire also has a strong personal interest in all aspects of reducing our footprint on the planet.
Director of Tourism Economics
Oxford Economics
Dave Goodger leads Oxford Economics’ work in tourism forecasting and economic impact analysis as Managing Director of Tourism Economics EMEA. He manages the team in forecasting global tourism flows for 185 countries and over 300 cities, based on economic drivers and in reaction to major events including the pandemic and the war in Ukraine as well as major business and sporting events. Recent reports and custom analysis have focussed on the importance of tourism growth in recovery and the evolution of tourism demand within wider consumer spending.
Secretary General and CEO
Caribbean Tourism Organisation
Dona Regis-Prosper is Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). She is the first woman to assume leadership of the intergovernmental body.
With a distinguished career spanning more than 22 years, Regis-Prosper is the first female leader of the intergovernmental organization, which serves as the Caribbean’s tourism development agency.
Hailing from St. Lucia, Regis-Prosper is an exceptionally dynamic and transformative leader. Her collaborative efforts extend to working closely with regional government officials, tourism stakeholders, and industry experts worldwide.
Her professional journey includes pivotal roles such as Director of Marketing and Product Development at the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority; Director of Business Development for Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica; CEO of the Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands; and General Manager of the Antigua Cruise Port.
She holds a Master of Business Administration from Durham University Business School and is a Certified Professional Marketer. Her expertise ranges from management, business development, strategy, marketing and communications to customer service and cruise port management.
As the leader of the CTO, she serves as the organization’s chief spokesperson and bears the responsibility of translating its vision into reality, guided by the strategic direction set forth by the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and the Board of Directors.
Her purview extends to ensuring the success of the CTO’s strategic planning, business development, policy formulation and implementation initiatives, and the development and execution of innovative strategies to enhance the competitiveness of the Caribbean tourism product on national, regional, and international stages.
Dona is a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Leadership award for her work in the Caribbean Tourism Industry.
Editor in Chief & CEO
Wanderlust
George is a serial entrepreneur with experience in the travel, media and technology sectors. He previously co-founded AI Business which grew to become the global leader in AI media, exhibitions, and research space with a multi-million-dollar global presence. When his business was successfully acquired by a large multinational, George started to pursue his life-long dream of sharing his passion for travel. Travel as George’s raison d'être found its home at Wanderlust, the oldest independent travel magazine in Europe. Since 2020, George has led the editorial direction of the organisation alongside driving a comprehensive transformation and expansion of the brand’s global footprint. George has invested heavily in the digital side of the business and launched the Wanderlust MetaTravel proposition, a global first in the world of travel media. Wanderlust is now the most-read UK travel magazine with the highest average circulation across and print and digital, and continues to pioneer coverage of authentic, responsible and sustainable travel.
General Manager UK & Ireland
Intrepid Travel
Hazel McGuire is the General Manager UK & Ireland at Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest travel B Corp and leaders in sustainable and responsible travel. She has 17 years’ experience in senior commercial, marketing and general management roles, predominantly in the travel and transport industries. Hazel previously contributed to significant growth at Flight Centre Travel Group touring brands Topdeck Travel and Back Roads Touring as well as with global hop-on, hop-off sightseeing brand Big Bus Tours, and is now leading Intrepid's continued growth in the UK & Ireland market. She’s responsible for implementing strategic plans, managing day-to-day business, and ensuring the company achieves its goals in balancing purpose and profit.
President and CEO
WTTC
Julia Simpson is President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council. She spent 14 years in the aviation sector on the Board of British Airways and Iberia and as Chief of Staff at International Airlines Group. Before joining British Airways, Julia was senior adviser to the UK Prime Minister. She has held a number of key positions in the UK government and public sector, including Director at the Home Office and Department for Education and Employment; Assistant Chief Executive at the London Borough of Camden; and head of communications at the Communication Workers Union. Julia is currently on the Board of the London Chamber of Commerce. Julia believes in the power of travel to transform lives, grow economies, and protect the planet and its people.
Head of Travel
The Sun
Lisa Minot is Head of Travel at The Sun. She has worked for the national newspaper for 32 years and has been Travel Editor and Head of Travel for the past 24 years. A regular on TV and radio commenting on Travel, she heads up the team at The Sun in charge of the print and digital operations.
CEO
The PC Agency
Former BBC News presenter Paul Charles is one of the global travel industry’s foremost leaders and analysts. He is founder and CEO of The PC Agency, a leading luxury travel and tourism consultancy, and is much sought-after by governments, travel and tourism brands for his industry insight.
Paul was at the forefront of the Covid crisis, appearing as a leading commentator and adviser about the travel and tourism sector, offering vital data and insight into global travel decision-making and government policies, including the infamous UK traffic lights policy.
Paul and The PC Agency, which advises C-Group leaders, luxury hotels, airlines, tourism boards, tour operators and cruiselines about their consumer, corporate, crisis and digital reputations, have been named the Most Influential in Travel by PR Week for seven years running in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Paul has been named PR Professional of The Year, three times in his career; by PR Week in 2004 and by TravMedia Awards, two years running, in 2022 and 2023. He also won the “Most Effective Communications During Covid Crisis” Award at the Corp Comms Awards 2020.
Before founding The PC Agency, Paul was Director of Communications for Virgin Atlantic and key adviser to Sir Richard Branson. Prior to joining Virgin Atlantic, Paul was Director of Communications at the high-speed train company Eurostar and was responsible for launching the UK's first high-speed trainline. Before to his time at Eurostar, Paul spent a decade reporting, producing and presenting at the BBC, working on programmes including BBC Television's World Business Report, The Money Programme, BBC1 Breakfast and BBC Radio's Today, MoneyBox, Inside Money and The Financial World Tonight.
Paul lives in London and travels worldwide.
Editor, Green Traveller magazine | Executive Videographer, Green Traveller Productions
Editor, Green Traveller magazine | Executive Videographer, Green Traveller Productions
Richard is a writer and videographer specialising in sustainable travel. Since 2009, he has run his own media production company Green Traveller, which shines a light on sustainability, life stories and adventure through writing, photography and film. Previously, he spent 12 years as a sustainable tourism journalist, editor-in-chief of TravelMole, eco travel correspondent for The Guardian, and travel editor for National Geographic Green. He was a consultant to the Travel Channel TV series 'How to Holiday Greener', has co-authored and contributed to books on sustainable travel (Guardian Books, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides), and has written articles for a variety of titles, including Evening Standard, National Geographic, Financial Times, i Paper, Telegraph, The Times and The Sunday Times. Last May, Richard published The Green Traveller book (Pavillion Books) and earlier this year, he founded a new online bi-monthly Green Traveller magazine with Charitable Travel.
Editor in Chief, NetJets the Magazine (Europe & USA) | International Editorial Director at Centurion & Departures Magazines
Editor in Chief, NetJets the Magazine (Europe & USA) | International Editorial Director at Centurion & Departures Magazines
Thomas is one of the world’s leading figures in consumer travel publishing. As part of the founding team behind Centurion and Departures Magazines, he has headed up the global editorial team of both titles since their inception in 1999. Centurion and Departures are published quarterly on behalf of American Express in over 70 markets and nine languages. Thomas is responsible for the direction, quality and accuracy of all editorial across the print titles and their websites.
He's also Editor in Chief at NetJets, The Magazine. Since its launch in Winter 2016, the title has inspired and engaged readers while supporting NetJets owners’ global aspirations. NetJets now runs quarterly, with separate editions specifically tailored for the European and U.S. markets; a curated collection of must-read articles, essays, dispatches and portfolios complemented by stand-out imagery and illustrations.
Claire Irvin leads the award-winning travel team at The Times and The Sunday Times. She’s a respected journalist and experienced digital operator, and joined after five years in the role of Head of Travel at The Telegraph. Claire is also an experienced magazine editor, and previously was editor-in-chief of SHE magazine, editor-at-large of Grazia, acting editor of Company, and editor of teen magazines Sugar and ElleGirl.
Managing Partner and Global Travel Practice Leader
FINN Partners
Debbie Flynn has been in the travel industry for over 30 years and was the founder of travel specialist PR and marketing agency Brighter Group after spending the first 10 years of her career at British Airways. After 23 years as one of the UK’s leading tourism PR agencies, she sold her agency to FINN Partners in January 2018. Now in her role leading FINN Partners travel teams globally, Debbie continues to be at the forefront of global travel communication and has once again been listed in the PR Week PowerBook as one of the top 10 influencers in travel PR in the UK. Debbie is also an observer to the board of the Advantage Travel Partnership, on the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council, and an advisory board member to the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage. Debbie also leads the way in giving back to the industry in her roles as a trustee of travel industry water aid charity Just A Drop, trustee and Chair of the Anglo Jordanian Society, and a pro bono advisor to Tourism Cares.
Editor & Chief Purpose Officer
TTG Media
Sophie Griffiths joined Travel Trade Gazette in March 2010 as a news reporter before working her way up to the position of editor in January 2017. She is also the founder of TTG LGBT – a network for LGBT people and allies within the travel industry – which champions diversity within the sector. In 2021 Sophie was named a Travel Media Champion at the Travel Media Awards and was presented with the Association of Women in Travel Executives Honorary Award for her work advocating the travel industry during the Covid 19 pandemic. Sophie has been named Editor of the Year at the Independent Publisher Awards in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
Travel Editor
Daily Mail
Mark Palmer is a Fleet Street veteran who has worked variously at the Evening Standard, Sunday Telegraph, Daily Express and is currently Travel & Property Editor at the Daily Mail. He is the author of two books – one about football, the other a history of Clarks shoes. He lives in London and the Scottish Borders. His list of banned words for all journalists and PRs has become legendary.
Assistant Travel Editor
The Times and Sunday Times
Liz Edwards works across The Times and Sunday Times’ print and online travel output. The job involves planning, commissioning, editing and writing - and rarely enough travel. Nevertheless, she’s squeezed in articles on everything from postcards to private jets. Liz was appointed commissioning editor in November 2019, joining from the Sunday Times Travel Magazine, where she spent seven years, rising to become associate editor. She’s previously worked on titles including Olive and Wanderlust, with a few freelance stints. Her interests include food, art, walking and swimming. 2022 might be the year she finally tries a cruise. Liz is shortlisted for the Consumer Staff Writer of the Year in the TravMedia Awards.
Travel Editor
i
Sophie Lam oversees the i’s travel content across print and digital platforms. She commissions, edits and writes travel news, destination features, reviews, interviews and commercial projects and works across print and digital. Sophie started her career in travel at The Independent in 2004 where she was appointed Head of Travel across ESI Media (The Independent, The Independent on Sunday, i and London Evening Standard), in 2014. She left ESI to re-join i under its new owners in 2017, during which time she launched i's Staycation Awards.
Deputy Editor
National Geographic Traveller
Amelia Duggan is one of award-winning National Geographic Traveller’s senior commissioning editors and feature writers, and deputy editor since 2019. Formerly a freelance journalist, working abroad in countries including Chile and India, she was awarded Young Travel Writer of the Year and Specialist Travel Writer of the Year (for her work on Latin America) at the 2019 Travel Media Awards. Offering readers 10 issues a year plus numerous supplements, including the quarterly National Geographic Traveller Food, National Geographic Traveller is the UK’s number one consumer travel publication by subscription.
Freelance Travel Writer and Author
Meera Dattani is a freelance travel and culture journalist, senior editor at Adventure.com, and former Chair and Events Director of the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW), where she also organised and chaired panel discussions/webinars. She has a special interest in positive impact tourism, food heritage stories, and decolonising and modernising travel writing. She has spoken and written widely on diversity in the travel industry, for companies and organisations including Intrepid Travel, Brand USA, Wanderful, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the BGTW.
Experientialist®-in-Chief
OutThere magazine
Uwern co-founded OutThere, the luxury and experiential travel and lifestyle journal, alongside Creative Director Martin Perry over 10 years ago, with a dream to promote a more diverse media landscape and better representation in the luxury travel industry for his own community of LGBTQ+ travellers and for today’s widely intersectional and diverse luxury audiences, showcasing the voices of those under-represented in mainstream media and the stories of inclusive brands looking to change the status quo. Uwern has been named as one the “50 most influential people in British Luxury” and an “Editorial Leader of the Year.”