The Tourism Society - People in all the right places

The winners of the Shine Awards 2010 were announced on Thursday 21st January highlighting the achievements of outstanding women working in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector. The event, first held in 2004, was attended by some of the most senior representatives of the British travel and tourism industry. The key note addresses were delivered by past Shine Awards Winner, Sandie Dawe FTS, CEO of VisitBritain and the Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Minister for Culture and Tourism.
 
The accomplishments of eleven exceptional women, who demonstrated extraordinary contribution to the industry, commitment to their businesses and to their members of staff were celebrated. People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism was this year's headline sponsor. 
 
Gaby Marcon, the awards' co-founder stated that "Last night's winners are nothing short of exceptional. These women have often triumphed against the odds, working tirelessly to achieve their goals and all along acted as great role models and mentors both within the organisations they work for and to the communities in which they operate in. We are all truly inspired!"
  
"These women provide inspirational role models for all the professionals in our sector, that's both women and men", said Brian Wisdom MTS, host for the evening and CEO of People 1st. "Our research found that whilst over 60% of the workforce is made up of women, only 6% of board director positions within the industry are filled by women. As one of the country's most dynamic industries, we all have a duty to change that disparity. Our winners are testament to the remarkable contribution women make to their businesses and to the sector. They will also encourage more women from diverse backgrounds to consider travel, tourism and hospitality as a long term, fulfilling career option."

Alison Cryer FTS, Chairman of the Tourism Society and Managing Director, Representation Plus commented "I am proud to have been given such a high accolade and must thank my staff past and present at Representation Plus and colleagues at the Tourism Society for their team work as well as past Shine Award Winner, Fiona Jeffries FTS for nominating me. Although, the industry has opened up to more women in high places than when I started my career there is still much room for development and the Shine Awards have been pioneers in fostering female talent."

 
ENDS
For further information contact Representation Plus
T. 0208 877 4503/4
Email: press@representationplus.co.uk
For further details on the Shine Awards contact
Gaby Marcon
Tel 0207 3783414 – 07711 262649
g.marcon@shinepeopleandplaces.co.uk
www.shineawards.com