Having been at TUI for 25 years now, where did her career begin and how did she go from being cabin crew for Britannia Airlines to being a dream maker for her customers at TUI store in Heswall on the Wirral.

What does she think it takes to work in the travel industry and what advice she would give to anyone wanting to join after such a challenging year.

The experience of the last 18 months has been very different for everyone. What was it like working in a high street travel agency during that time and how are customers feeling about travelling now?

During furlough, the feelings of guilt could sometimes be overwhelming. Charm used her time constructively to raise awareness and funds for various charities such as Alder Hey, Chester Zoo, Maggies Hospice and a few others. Find out what she got up to and how she went viral on social media having people from across the UK to want some of what she was making and how all of this made her feel when she saw the results!

One of the BEST things to have come out of the whole pandemic has been something which Charm initiated herself. Her local street community were brought closer together to form strong bonds and relationships, how did she do this and how did she use it within her own team? 

Paddle boarding and yoga are just two of the many activities which have supported Charm and her family through some tough days, what does it mean to them now? 

Does she still have the Mini Cooper S that she won in the Holiday Extras #winmeabeettermini incentive a few years ago? 

Thank you to our guest this week and hope you enjoy the episode.

**DISCLAIMER: These are the thoughts and opinions of Charm Lloyd and do not represent any policy or process belonging to or held by TUI Group

A special relationship with Liverpool Airport meant the airport team could offer their support to the hospital in enhancing the experience felt by patients when they arrive for any surgery or procedure. Duncan and his team have been very grateful for many other efficiencies and innovations on which they’ve worked on together, there’s a lot of symmetry, find out how and what.

Alder Hey have such a unique relationship with our industry, how does it work and how can people get involved to support their efforts. 

What impact did the pandemic have on Alder Hey and in particular its fund raising? GDPR came into affect a year or so earlier, which put a stop to any opportunity in writing to people and asking for donations. So, how were they able to continue when they couldn’t operate any face to face events or when their charity stores had to close? 

Who are the heroes of 2020 for Duncan? A famous face and a familiar, family face, find out who.

The next project and challenge facing Alder Hey and Duncan’s team is the mental wellbeing of our young people. The next 6-12 months are crucial in supporting them as the pandemic has had such a detrimental effect. So, what’s happening and how can we all get involved? 

Thank you to our guest this week and hope you enjoy this week’s episode.

Who could have envisaged that it would be our fabulous Cruise Industry to be one of the first sectors to experience the bounce back as strongly as it has. Jonny talks about how this has opened up not only the UK as a destination but how it has attracted those all important “new to cruise” passengers who never thought about cruising as a holiday experience beforehand.

He believes that our industry has some of the best skills sets, what does he think about the opportunities that have come out of such a dark year?

Why travel agents and trade partners matter so much to him and Celebrity Cruises and how our industry can bounce back better by attracting some of the best talent from other industries and from various further education facilities such as colleges etc. But... only if we keep high on the agenda, the all important, diversity,  inclusivity and equity conversation. Jonny shares his advice for anyone thinking of coming into the travel industry.

Anyone who has worked overseas as a rep, should definitely write a book. After 20 summer seasons, back to back, Jonny managed to bag himself many ski seasons across Europe, even though he didn’t tell anyone that he couldn’t ski! How did that work out? 

Jonny has had such a positive and successful career having risen through the ranks over the 8 years at Celebrity Cruises. He puts much of this down to their pioneering leadership team who drive the agenda on Diversity & Inclusion at Celebrity Cruises as it’s a large part of their DNA. 

Having an all women crew onboard to celebrate International Women’s Day was so important as they demonstrated the change they want to see and managed to inspire the next generation of women at sea, around the globe in the process.

Thank you to our guest this week and hope you enjoy this week’s episode.

”I’d rather go down swinging, rather than just tick along waiting” was Bruce’s thoughts as he invested in creating a talented team as they prepare for the, much anticipated bounce back in 2022.

His thoughts on what the industry needs to focus on right now during our recovery, and it’s still very much a recovery.

What did he think was the best thing for our industry and his business to have come out of the last 18 months?

There is always room for everyone, Travel Gossip has been able to innovate and has become a very welcomed and worthy “new kid on the block” for travel industry news, how did it happen?

How Travel Gossip became a focal point and place to come for our industry to share experiences, share stories, vent, soothe and get advice when March 2020 happened, how did this affect Bruce himself?

As always, thank you for tuning in and enjoy this week’s episode.

Gemma has had to embrace a whole new level of influence with her clients during the pandemic. Good communication has given way to an abundance of opportunity for loyalty, fun and a sense of togetherness.

Did the plan she created for the last 16 months work out? Did she feel like she made the right decisions?

Gemma is seen as an industry ambassador, intelligently and eloquently speaking to audiences all across our TV screens, from our beloved BBC news to Sky TV, how did that happen, how do you prepare for those nerve-wracking interviews? Share shares her top tips on how to handle the media.

“Seacation” or “Staycation” - either way, don’t say this to Gemma, find out why!

As she travels our planet with her family and enjoys its spoils, Gemma gives us a very raw and uncomfortable insight into how racism is very much still present and why her experiences have increased her levels of empathy.

Gemma sits on the committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for both AITO Agents and her daughter's school, which is brilliantly progressive. This has enabled a learning to help her better understand and support others. Having at the age of 28, Gemma took over the business at Haslemere and had to face harsh judgement and bias from all corners, what was her game plan?

Businesses face a tricky rebuild in this recovery period. If they are to attract the best talent to support that recovery, they must look at their own DEI, as it will be reflected in your future clients and will sustain the future of your business, ignore it at your own peril!

As always, thank you for tuning in and enjoy this week’s episode.

How exactly did Steven arrive into our travel industry - and it isn’t how you would imagine! 

What happened when he sold Majestic Travel back in the late 90’s, and where did he go immediately after?

What does the ITT mean to Steven and what influence and effect does it have on our industry and beyond? 

Steven had quite an early political experience; did this help in having the ear of Parliament. Have we done enough to be taken seriously? 

Let’s talk about “that” keynote speaker at the ITT conference in Malta…Nigel Farage! 

Who has been an ITT favourite keynote speaker of Stevens ? 

Steven chats candidly about the evolution of digitalisation in travel and how ITT has supported its members and sponsors over the last 18 months and of course, this years ITT conference  onboard  the magnificent MSC Virtuosa!

As always, thank you for tuning in and enjoy this week’s episode.

The personal touch Danny has brought to supporting ABTA members since he joined recently.

How ABTA has unified the industry to bring a collective voice to be heard by the government.
 
Exactly how do the public perceive the ABTA brand now? Do they still look for the logo? 

Danny started his role during the pandemic, it was a learning curve! He shares his insights with us.
  
ABTA has a lot of depth and breadth, Danny explains his plans to showcase its many facets so members and the public have a better understanding of ABTA's role and rersponsibilities.

What’s his view on the next challenge to face our industry, does Danny think there are any opportunities for the remainder of the year… 

What does it mean now, to have a holiday, is it much more than just a fly and flop? 

Thank you so much for listening, enjoy this weeks episode.

Recorded at the end of June, some changes have already occurred since chatting with Sophie. 

She shares her insights to what impact the Travel Day of Action made.

How will TTG build upon and evolve their original initiative #savetravel

Why is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion important to keep high on the agenda even in tough times 

And, what is it really like to work at TTG

Sophie speaks candidly about whats she would say if given an hour with Johnson & Shapps and she does NOT hold back! 

Enjoy this weeks episode, thank you for listening

A very warm welcome to Travel Heroes, a Holidays Extras podcast with me, Lindsay Garvey-Jones

Fasten your seat belts for what is sure to be a terrific ride as we bring together some of the most interesting voices from around the travel industry.

I'll be having clever chats with pioneers and heroes in the industry, who I know won't hold back from telling it how it is, as well as chatting with a whole host of everyday travel heroes who make a difference every single day. So, brace yourself for big interviews which pack a punch along with up to date news, opinions and views from around the industry.

As always, we LOVE feedback and would love to know if there are any topics you’d love us to cover or any interviews you’d love to hear so drop me a line at [email protected] 

Thank you for listening, enjoy the ride!