INTERNATIONAL. A focus group for women in the travel retail industry – Women in Travel – has been created, championed by some of the trade’s most influential and successful female executives. It holds its first meeting in Cannes.
The group said in a statement: “Women in Travel will generate a network for women in all categories and functions within the channel, and provide a forum to share learning and experience, encouraging the high standards of excellence that successful women can bring to business.”
Founders of the group include William Grant & Sons Ltd Global Travel Retail Director Ylva Persson, BAA Business Relationships Director Sarah Branquinho, Travel Retail Marketing Consultant Cathryn Davis, The Travel Retail Business Director/Deputy Editor Anouska Forte and Silja Line/Tallink Procurement Manager Shopping Jaana Heino.
The first gathering will take place in Cannes on Monday 23 October from 07.45 to 09.15, preceding the TFWA Conference. It will be held at the Majestic (Salle Royan) where William Grant & Son will sponsor a light breakfast buffet.
The group encourages anyone with an interest in learning more or participating to attend.
The goals of the group are still taking shape, and the views of women who attend the Cannes meeting will be taken into account.
Broadly, the intention is to:
– Meet at each of the major duty-free and travel retail conventions, organising a female speaker who demonstrates outstanding achievement from within or outside the trade
– Arrange smaller meetings, subject to demand, to further business relations and propose future business partnerships
– Create an online site where news will be posted, supported by The Moodie Report.
Any donations or financial surplus from WiT will go to charity
The group said: “Women with exceptional talent have been attracted to the world of travel retail through the years. Some have become legends and some are yet to create their mark. Women in Travel is created to capture the spirit of those early achievers and to encourage and celebrate our future contribution to one of the world’s most dynamic industries.”
For more information contact Cathryn Davis at: cathryndavis@earthlink.net
