Fiona Jeffery wins SHINE Women of the Year 2008 – Leadership Award

Fiona Jeffery, chairman of the World Travel Market, has won an award dedicated to women working in the travel industry, the SHINE Women of the Year 2008 – Leadership Award.

Jeffery was recognized for her outstanding leadership of World Travel Market for over nearly 20 years. She was also praised for her development of the event into a world-class brand, as well as managing difficult decisions such as the controversial move to ExCeL London in 2002 and the WTM's response to 9/11, when much of the global industry was in trauma.

Jeffery has also pioneered key international initiatives such as WTM World Responsible Tourism Day and the founding of water-aid charity Just a Drop ten years ago.

The 2008 World Travel Market last month recorded an impressive 12% increase in visitors and 4% rise in participants.

Since their inception in 2004, the SHINE Awards have recognised the increasingly important role played by women in travel, tourism and hospitality by celebrating their success, professionalism and care.

“I was absolutely delighted to receive the award which is a tribute, not just to me, but the entire World Travel Market team,” said Jeffery.  “Together we have tried to make World Travel Market new, fresh and exciting every year, but always with the aim of pushing the barriers addressing and tackling industry issues while at the same time helping the industry to expand business opportunities and improve profitability.”

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