The World Travel Market (WTM) London, a global travel trade event, hosted a series of insightful sessions titled “Future You” aimed at empowering aspiring travel professionals. These sessions provided valuable guidance from seasoned industry leaders, offering practical tips on navigating the exciting, yet competitive travel sector.
Jamie-Lee Abtar, Brand Marketing Manager at Not in the Guidebooks, shared her inspiring journey. As a tourism student, attending WTM London opened doors to two impactful internships. Recognizing the power of professional networking, Abtar leveraged LinkedIn to connect with small and medium-sized enterprises, ultimately earning a coveted spot on TTG’s “30 Under 30 Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders” list. This recognition brought her into a community of like-minded individuals, furthering her professional development.
Driven to give back, Abtar actively contributed to the Women in Travel CIC, a social enterprise and mentorship program, during the pandemic. She also launched her insightful podcast, “In the Travel Know,” dedicated to promoting career growth within the travel industry. Her advice for newcomers is clear: master your niche, stay informed by following industry magazines and platforms, and delve into reports by organizations like ABTA (the travel industry association). This thorough preparation will equip you to confidently engage in conversations with potential employers.
Abtar’s emphasis on networking was echoed by Jo Rzymowska, founder of Jovolution. Rzymowska, whose multifaceted career has been shaped by connections, stressed the importance of networking in securing opportunities. She also emphasized the crucial role of customer service within the industry, highlighting it as a key differentiator for success.
During a panel discussion on bridging the gap between education and the travel industry, Louie Davis, Senior Strategy Manager at easyJet Holidays, urged job seekers to develop a deep understanding of the global and political factors influencing the travel landscape. He emphasized the evolving nature of the industry, stating that “there will be jobs that exist for tomorrow that don’t exist today.” Davis identified two key themes shaping the future of travel: AI and sustainability, urging aspiring professionals to embrace these developments to thrive in the years to come.
The “Future You” sessions at WTM London offered valuable insights for aspiring travel professionals, highlighting the importance of networking, building a strong personal brand, and staying ahead of emerging trends in the dynamic travel industry. By embracing these principles, aspiring travel professionals can position themselves for success in this exciting and ever-evolving field.
