The Luxury Travel Gold List Awards is returning in 2023 with a streamlined awards program and an esteemed panel of Jury members.
The Luxury Travel Gold List Awards welcomes standout submissions from Australia, the Indo-Pacific, and across the globe. Powered by Indesign Media Asia Pacific, the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards was established in 2005 and is back in 2023 — with a new, refreshed focus that is more in line with the modern luxury travel movement than ever before. See here for details on how to enter.
Recognising the most progressive experiences and destinations across air, land, and sea, a streamlined number of categories in 2023 reflect our core editorial content pillars of authenticity, design, and sustainability — awarding those who break barriers and do great things.
In order to showcase the best of the best, we’re relying on the careful curatorial eye of a prestigious and global judging panel to assist with the reader-voted and industry-verified awards program. The Jury, which will be rotated each year, is comprised of forward-thinking industry leaders across luxury travel.
To ensure the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards is relevant and meaningful, we will pair these exemplary juror insights with a readers’ voting program, ensuring the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards is a true reflection of the best in class across the travel and tourism industry.
We’re delighted to announce our 2023 Jury panel below. All Jury members have been presented with ‘code of conduct’ guidelines and will not be assigned to judge categories that could be deemed to represent a conflict of interest. Further, through our sophisticated, purpose-built awards software, jurors can only access nominations for the judging categories to which they have been assigned.
Responsible for gathering the jury members together, Managing Editor of Luxury Travel, Katrina Holden, is thrilled to welcome on board our 2023 Jury.
“Luxury Travel is honoured to announce this esteemed list of industry professionals who will be assisting us in the 2023 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards Program,” said Katrina.
“This group of luxury travel experts have devoted their careers to excellence in their specific fields and share a similar vision that aligns with our core editorial content pillars of authenticity, design, and sustainability. I’m looking forward to working with this stellar group of individuals throughout the awards process and am incredibly grateful for their time, expertise, and input,” said Katrina.
ANNA BURGDORF
Global Brand and Marketing Director
Luxury Travel Associates
Anna Burgdorf is responsible for the brand management, marketing strategy, and communications for the luxury leisure division of Australia’s largest travel business, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). Under the banner of The Luxury Travel Collection, the division includes boutique luxury Travel Associates brands in AU & NZ, as well as the ultra-Luxury Scott Dunn in the USA, UK, and Singapore.
Prior to FCTG, Anna spent two decades as Marketing & Communications Director of the German luxury automotive brand, Audi.
ANNA GUILLAN AM
Non-Executive Director, Chair, and Tourism Business Leader
Independent Consultant, Kerzner International
Industry professional
Anna Guillan has a respected board and executive career in tourism sales and marketing which spans over 25 years with demonstrated leadership in hotel and resorts, brand development, strategic planning, marketing, and distribution.
Anna currently serves on the board of Destination NSW; Hammons Holdings; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; and she is also Chair of Regional Development Australia (Sydney). Her previous tourism board positions include Deputy Chair of Tourism Australia, the Australian Tourism Export Council, and Tourism & Events Queensland.
Professionally, Anna forged the Australian marketing of many experiential resorts including One&Only, Voyages Hotels & Resorts collection, and Hayman Island. Anna remains the independent consultant in Australia to Kerzner International, a leading global developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels, impeccable residences, and innovative entertainment and gaming experiences, whose distinctive brands include Atlantis, One&Only, SIRO, Rare Finds, and Mazagan.
A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), with a Master of Business Administration, Anna is also committed to community service, being Co-Founder and Director of the NELUNE Foundation, a charitable organisation raising over $40 million to help patients fight cancer with dignity.
Anna was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Australian tourism industry, and to the community through support for social welfare and health organisations.
ANTHONY GOLDMAN
Joint Managing Director
Goldman Travel Group
Anthony Goldman is the Joint Managing Director of Goldman Travel Group. After starting his career in travel, Anthony left the family business and forged a successful 20-year career in advertising and marketing. Anthony worked for several global organisations, including J Walter Thompson, Leo Burnett, and Village Roadshow.
In 2012, Anthony joined his father, Tom, and brother, David, and embarked on an expansion program for Goldman Travel Group. Travel has always been in his blood, and the Goldman family is synonymous with travel in Australia. As third-generation travel professionals, the Goldmans are at the forefront of travel advisory — with a mix of businesses in the corporate, leisure, and cruise sectors, including Goldman Travel, Travelcall, The Cruise Centre by Travelcall, and Smartflyer Australia.
Anthony is currently Chair of the Global Virtuoso Member Advisory Board, the first non-US member to hold this position, and is a Board Director of Link Travel Group.
BRENT WALLACE
Director
SmartFlyer Australia
Brent Wallace is an awarded Virtuoso Travel Advisor, Director of SmartFlyer Australia, and leading travel influencer known for his exceptional knowledge, personal insider access, and passion for luxury travel. With over fifteen years of experience in the travel industry, Brent has established himself as a trusted advisor to high-end travellers seeking unforgettable experiences around the globe.
His keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled service has earned him a loyal following of clients who trust him to curate their dream travel adventures with style and sophistication. As a travel influencer, Brent uses his social media platforms to share his personal travels and behind-the-scenes travel intel with his engaged audience of travel enthusiasts.
BRETT JARDINE
Managing Director
Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO)
Brett has over three decades of experience across the travel industry and since 2017, has overseen the transformation of CATO, a 23-year-old industry body that is the voice of the land-supply sector representing Australian tour operators and wholesalers.
Throughout the COVID period, Brett led CATO with significantly increased advocacy activity in support of members that play a critical role in the development and delivery of leisure-based travel around the world. The CATO brand continues to evolve and grow in both credibility and stature under Brett’s leadership.
Prior to his current role, Brett was at the helm of the Australasian office of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) from 2007 to 2017 during a period of significant and sustained growth for the cruise industry.
DAVID HOSKING
CEO
The Travel Corporation, Australia
David Hosking is a lifetime travel industry leader, serving as the CEO of one of the largest private global Tourism businesses. The Travel Corporation (TTC) operates over 40 award-winning travel and hospitality brands that span 70 countries. Family-owned and run since 1920, TTC is the world leader in immersive travel experiences.
DAYANA BROOKE
Sustainability Scientist and Consultant
Dayana Brooke
Dayana Brooke is a travel industry expert with over two decades of experience. However, her passion for sustainability and being an environmentalist truly sets her apart. As the founder of The Sustainable Traveller, she dedicates her energy and passion to advocating for travel experiences that prioritise the natural environments, communities, and low carbon emissions.
With a Masters in Sustainability and extensive knowledge of the impact of travel on the planet, Dayana helps businesses to take action by adopting simple yet effective measures, setting achievable goals to reduce emissions, and embracing innovation for positive changes.
DESMOND CAMPBELL
CEO
Welcome to Country
Desmond Campbell (Jangala/Gojok) is a proud Gurindji and Ngalakan/Alawa man who has a deep passion and wealth of experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to achieve control and self-determination for First Nations communities as a whole.
As CEO of Welcome to Country, Desmond has become a leading voice in the Indigenous Tourism Industry. In the first six months of his tenure as CEO, he has travelled and spoken extensively to key stakeholders; Desmond has spoken at Tourism Australia’s signature Destination Australia Conference, the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Summit, numerous private corporate events, media engagements, and all levels of government. But at the centre of his focus and inspiration as CEO is his commitment to elevating Welcome to Country as a First Nations-led social enterprise and, in turn, its vision for more prosperous First Nations communities through economic opportunity. Welcome to Country currently have over 180 First Nations products and experiences listed through their platform and aims to grow substantially.
Prior to taking the role of CEO at Welcome to Country, Desmond was First Nations Practice Lead at Social Ventures Australia. Desmond has worked on a range of projects influencing better service delivery practices in sectors such as health, social justice, family welfare and strategy development in community-led social ventures.
Desmond has worked with the Northern Territory Government in a number of roles including Operations Manager for the community-based Family Violence Program with NT Correctional Services, which also included public policy and framework development and implementation around family and domestic violence prevention; a Project Officer developing a gender equity strategy with the Anti-Discrimination Commission; and, more recently, Senior Executive Officer for the Attorney General and Justice Department for the Northern Territory.
Desmond is an active community member and has extensive experience in family and domestic violence prevention and is a current Board Director at Our WATCh.
Desmond is excited to be at the forefront of a wave of cultural change in Australia and looking forward to being involved in directing and supporting this change as CEO of Welcome to Country.
DR CLAIRE ELLIS
Chair
Eco Tourism Australia
Dr Claire Ellis is the current Chair of Ecotourism Australia and also a Director of Ingleton Scenery Company (Waterfalls Trail), Yorkshire, UK. She has worked for much of her career in tourism, enjoying its challenges and opportunities.
Her varied tourism work includes working in Indonesia, mostly with expedition cruise vessels for over 10 years; undertaking research and working as a university lecturer in sustainable tourism; working in State Government around policy and strategy; and now, working as a consultant. During her time as a Director at Tourism Tasmania, she oversaw a number of exciting new projects including growing the capacity of Tasmania’s tourism industry in the digital environment and building the state’s nature-based positioning, including projects like the selection and development of the multi-day walk, the Three Capes Track.
Her consultancy work focuses on sustainable tourism and regenerative projects (her PhD area) and takes her across Australia, as well as overseas, allowing her to visit and enjoy the incredible diversity of our amazing regions.
FIONA DALTON
General Manager AUS/NZ
Virtuoso Australia
Fiona holds over 30 years of travel and tourism experience across the corporate and leisure sectors in the Australian market. Prior positions include CEO for The Travel Corporation Australia, Managing Director for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises in Australia, General Manager, Sales for Qantas Holidays and its associated brands in helloworld, and Associate Director, Global Travel & Supplier Relations for Macquarie Group. More recently, she was appointed General Manager Australia & New Zealand for Virtuoso Travel, the world’s leading community of luxury travel advisors and experiences.
Fiona’s capability covers a wide range of areas, including strategy, general and financial management, sales generation, marketing, communication, negotiation, and commercial acumen.
She has led several large-scale business transformations and strategic sourcing projects, positioned businesses for turnaround and sustained growth, and developed & reengineered business processes to support change management in the tourism sector.
Fiona is passionate about the impact of effective leadership on businesses and people, both in relation to culture and commercial success, and credits her mentors for assisting in shaping her leadership style. In 2017, she won the Women in Travel Award for the Cruise Sector, and in 2018 she was voted Best Female Leader in Travel by the readers of Karry On and noted as the seventh-most influential on the Women in Travel Power List in Australia.
Fiona is active in TIME — the Travel Industry Mentor Experience, as a Mentor and previously as a Board Director. More recently, she has been appointed as a Non-Executive Board Director for the NSW tourism region defined as Destination Sydney Surrounds and North. Fiona holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern Cross University and is a member of the AICD.
Fiona has two children, Alistair, and Lucy, now themselves young adults, whom she has raised as a single parent since they were five and two years old. She credits them as her daily motivation and her greatest-ever achievement.
HAYLEY PEACOCK-GOWER
Chief Marketing Officer
Aurora Expeditions
With more than 25 years’ experience in strategic branding, marketing, and media for an array of iconic Australian and global brands — such as Canon, Earth Hour, News Corp’s lifestyle brands, Fairfax Media, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Hong Kong Tourism Board among others, Hayley is deeply passionate about working for purpose-driven companies.
Currently the Chief Marketing Officer of Australian-owned Aurora Expeditions, Hayley is passionate about championing perspective-altering experiences that change people’s lives and believes the best outcomes in travel are best achieved with an ongoing commitment to bold, dynamic, and active environmental initiatives.
JINOU PARK
Founder
Normal.
Normal. creates spaces and experiences that shake us out of the routine, raise consciousness of the moment, and deliver belonging to a greater purpose. Normal. uses materials that are real and lasting, develops products and services that are modern, elegant, and give peace.
Jinou Park is the founder of Normal., a hospitality and lifestyle expert in trends forecasting, creative concepts, and branding development. Jinou brings 20+ years of experience in leading global brands from Disney, Hilton, and InterContinental Hotels. Immediately prior to launching Normal., Jinou was the Asia Pacific leader of Design Hotels AG, a hand-selected curation of 300+ privately owned and operated hotels globally.
Jinou was born in Seoul, Korea, and has a Master’s of Management in Hospitality from Cornell Hotel School, Ithaca, New York.
JO PALMER
Founder and Managing Director
Gate 7
Jo Palmer is the Founder and Managing Director of the tourism marketing and representation agency Gate 7. As a long-time leader in tourism marketing, Jo has crafted partnerships for travel brands, destinations, entertainment, and tourism & hospitality brands across the world for over 25 years, including large-scale TV production, advertising campaigns, multi-faceted training programs, influencer content, and brand integrations. Her approach to partnerships is inspired by creativity and a mindset of collaboration to find the most mutually beneficial outcomes.
JOEL KATZ
Managing Director
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
Joel Katz has led Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia as its Managing Director since 2016 after an extensive career in cruising and hospitality, in the UK, Europe, Central Asia, and Australia with Hyatt, Marriott, Conran, and Orion Expedition Cruises.
In his role, Joel heads an Australasia-based team that is responsible for the development and promotion of the cruise industry across the region through trade relations, industry training, and advocacy activities on behalf of CLIA’s Cruise Line Members. He has led the regional organisation through significant growth in membership, and pre-pandemic helped cement the region’s place as one of the fastest-growing cruise markets in the world in terms of population penetration.
Through the pandemic, Joel worked closely with cruise line leadership, industry partners, and governments across the region to advocate for a responsible cruise resumption.
JOLEEENA SEAH
Managing Director
GHC Asia
After more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience with some of the world’s most iconic brands, Joleena crossed the fence to join the leading PR agency, GHC Asia, in 2019. Her current portfolio comprises critically-acclaimed hotel brands, luxury cruise lines, premium real estate, two of the region’s renowned travel trade shows as well as a bespoke travel designer. With her rare knowledge of hotel operations complemented by strong connections in the tourism industry, Joleena adds a fresh perspective to her strategic counsel that is aligned with the evolving needs of her prestigious clients. A passionate traveller with an insatiable appetite for new travel experiences, Joleena has been vigorously ticking off her Bucket List since Singapore’s border reopened.
JULIE KING
Founder & CEO, Julie King and Associates
Founder, Bonailie
Julie King is an entrepreneur and visionary leader, boasting over 37 years of global accomplishments within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Her extensive experience spans diverse roles, from managing luxury hotels in Scotland and Dubai to directing tourism consultancies in Dubai and Australia. Julie’s comprehensive understanding of international tourism enables her to identify and capitalise on key growth opportunities and transformative trends within the industry.
With offices in Sydney and New Zealand, her consultancy firm, Julie King and Associates, has garnered acclaim and awards for its outstanding work. As a result of her extensive experience working with 24 countries, Julie has solidified her reputation as a preeminent authority in the field of tourism and travel.
Julie King’s impact on the travel and tourism industry extends far beyond her consultancy work. As the founder of Bonailie, the world’s first purpose-led global community platform, Julie has disrupted the industry and sparked a new era of collaboration and positive change. Bonailie unites industry professionals from around the world, providing a platform for them to collaborate and drive meaningful impact. Through Bonailie, she has created a movement, inspiring others to join in the journey towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
KATHERINE DROGA
Chair
Global Wellness Institute
Katherine Droga is passionate about the transformational effect travel can have for people and the planet. She is the founder of several successful global wellness platforms including Well Traveller and Well Traveller TV, Wellness Wander, and Australia’s premiere wellness industry event, the Wellness Tourism Summit, and its sister event, Wellness Tourism Unearthed. Her consultancy firm, Droga & Co., specialises in wellness and sustainable strategy development for destinations, tourism experiences, and events worldwide. Katherine is also proud to be the Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative, a global think tank and research on wellness travel trends.
KATRINA HOLDEN
Managing Editor
Luxury Travel Media
Katrina is a highly experienced journalist and magazine editor, researching, writing and editing luxury lifestyle and travel content for more than 20 years. She was the Editor of Luxury Travel between 2014 and 2016 — and was invited to return to the print title and luxurytravelmag.com.au in 2022 under the new ownership of Indesign Media Asia Pacific.
She is the former Editor of Australia’s Vacations & Travel magazine; a former Editor of travel trade website Travel Monitor; and a former Editor of Australian inflight magazines and liquor industry titles. During her time as a freelance writer and editor, she contributed pieces to Travel + Indulgence (The Australian newspaper), T Australia (The New York Times Style Magazine), Escape (News Limited), Delicious., Travel & Leisure Asia, James Halliday’s Wine Companion Magazine and Ocean magazine. She has provided editorial content services to Tourism Australia, Destination NSW, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, and the Drinks Association.
Katrina regularly commissions and edits the work of some of Australia’s most awarded travel writers. She stays abreast of the finest in luxury travel and associated trends by regularly attending launches and press briefings; familiarisation press trips; and domestic and international travel expos such as International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Singapore; Further East in Indonesia; and TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace.
KRIS ABBEY
Founder
Spa & Wellness Magazine
Kris has been a wellness advocate since she was 15! She has studied Science, Exercise Physiology, PE, and nutrition, and spends her time writing, speaking, and consulting on all things spa and wellness. She publishes Spa & Wellness Magazine and its online directory spaandwellness.com.au, inspiring readers to explore wellness in all its forms. Wellness and wellness tourism is a true love, and it is unlikely anyone has visited more wellness retreats around the world than Kris. Her most recent undertaking is launching the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Awards, giving recognition to people and properties dedicated to improving the lives of others.
LYNDEY MILAN OAM
Author, celebrity chef, presenter, judge
As one of Australia’s most trusted and respected food and wine icons, Lyndey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her “services to hospitality, particularly to the food and wine industry, and to the community”.
With more than four decades of experience, expertise, and education, Lyndey is an accomplished author, award-winning celebrity chef, multimedia presenter, host, judge, EmCee, speaker, honoured industry leader, advocate, ambassador, and in-demand consultant. Lyndey is also a popular tour host to Puglia, Japan, and Morocco, and an Enrichment Speaker for Silversea Cruises and P&O Cruises.
Lyndey’s dedication to connecting people is driven by her belief that food, wine, and culture are powerful tools for creating meaningful connections. Delivering her engaging events, television shows, industry consulting, impactful advocacy work, and proud work in regional Australia, Lyndey’s ultimate goal is for people to experience connection, nourishment, and inspiration through the universality of food.
LYNNE IRELAND
Managing Director
Inspired Luxury
Lynne Ireland has dedicated her career to launching and marketing inspiring hotels and experiences globally and was at the forefront of developing the luxury boutique hotel niche within the Asia Pacific.
Creating award-winning strategies, Lynne is an early adopter and innovator, with an innate understanding of luxury, together with the importance of wellness, community, and sustainability, with first initiatives developed 25 years ago.
Multiple award winner of ‘Brand Management of the Year’ at HM Awards for Excellence, and ‘PR Communicator of the Year’ by the ASTW, Lynne also served on the Boards/Advisory of ASTW, IMM, HSMAI, and the Bestest Charity.
MELINDA GREGOR
Managing Director
Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel
With more than 35 years in the travel industry, Melinda has worked in almost every area imaginable. Starting her journey with Qantas Holidays, she travelled the world extensively as an eagle-eyed 20-something. Melinda then relocated to Egypt to escort tour groups for three years through the most exotic parts of the Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Turkey.
On returning to Australia, she became Operations Manager with the world’s leader in luxury, bespoke travel, Abercrombie & Kent. During her five years at A&K, Melinda huddled with gorillas in Uganda, discovered palaces in India, trekked to Machu Picchu, cruised to Antarctica and explored the luxury lodges and game parks of Africa. Melinda then had two seasons at the exclusive El Questro in the Kimberley in Western Australia, before deciding to settle on the Sunshine Coast in 2004.
Melinda, along with brother Stuart, launched Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel in 2008. Melinda has travelled extensively to more than 80 countries in the world, including many exotic and exclusive destinations.
Over the last 18 years, Melinda has also become an avid cruiser, particularly on small ships (under 1200 people) and is the highest-ranked Master Cruise Consultant on the Sunshine Coast, as recognised by the International Cruise Council of Australia. Melinda attends Virtuoso Travel Week annually and has attended ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) on many occasions.
NIC GRAHAM
Director
Nic Graham & Associates
Established in Sydney in 1998, Australian interior designer Nic Graham has been celebrated for a variety of hospitality, commercial, and high-end residential projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The studio gained its recognition after completing W Hotel in Hong Kong in 2008 and has become a one-of-a-kind Australian interior design company working with international clients such as St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, InterContinental, W Hotels, Indigo, and more. The studio exclusively designed 12 QT Hotels in Australia and New Zealand, winning international recognition and awards.
PHILIP ENGELBERTS
Founder and Managing Director
PEPR Agency
Philip Engelberts is the founder and managing director of PEPR Agency, which is currently celebrating its 20th year in business. Over his 25-year career in Australia, Philip has built a reputation as a trusted public relations and communications advisor. Leading a team of eight, specialising in hotels, cruise, destination management, and travel distribution, Philip has been awarded communicator of the year by the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) multiple times.
SALLY MACMILLAN
Expert cruise writer
Cruise specialist and avid traveller Sally Macmillan has sailed on ships of all sizes and styles across all seven continents, reporting on her many incredible journeys for a range of national and international publications. She has sailed on vessels ranging from a 33-foot yacht in the Indonesian archipelago — before expedition companies deployed ships in the region — to the world’s biggest passenger ship in the Caribbean, and dozens in between.
Personal highlights include expedition cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, West Papua, and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, uber-luxe river cruises in France and India, and experiencing the high life on just about every prestigious cruise line at sea.
When she’s not hard at work checking out ships and exotic cruise destinations, Sally enjoys crewing on a small but competitive yacht on Sydney’s Pittwater. As Karen Blixen famously wrote, the cure for anything is salt water.
SARAH ANDERSON
Founder and Managing Director
GTI Tourism
Sarah Anderson is the Founder and Managing Director of GTI Tourism, an award-winning marketing and PR agency that has delivered campaigns for destinations including Las Vegas, New York, Vanuatu, and travel brands such as Marriott International, Avalon Waterways, and Globus. Prior to establishing GTI, Sarah held agency roles in the UK and worked as Marketing Manager for the youth brand Contiki and as Communications Manager for The Travel Corporation. She is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Director (GAICD) and has a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
STEVE ODELL
Former Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Industry Professional
With more than 40 years of cruise industry experience across the globe, 20 of them in the Asia-Pacific region, Odell has held senior management roles for several international contemporary, premium, and luxury cruise lines. This includes 17 years with the luxury cruise line Silversea, where he led the company’s Asia Pacific ‘start-up’ and was later appointed President, Europe and Asia Pacific from 2011 to 2015, based in Monaco.
Returning to Asia Pacific, from 2015 to 2022 he held the position of Senior Vice President & Managing Director Asia Pacific for the NYSE company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises). He spearheaded the launch of the company’s business in the region and was responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth of the company’s presence in the fast-growing Asia Pacific markets through his extensive business network in the region.
He served as Chairman of the International Cruise Council Australasia (now CLIA Australasia) from 2005 to 2007 and was a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association. Odell was appointed Chairman of CLIA Australasia for a second two-year term from 2016 to 2018 and continued as an active member of CLIA’s Executive Board until December 2022.
In 2018, he was named one of Australia’s Top 50 LGBTI Leaders in an initiative led by Deloitte & Google to further develop workplace inclusion and create role models that are inspiring, visible, and inclusive.
SUJATA RAMAN
Former Managing Director AU/NZ, Abercrombie & Kent
Industry professional
Sujata Raman has had an impressive career in luxury travel and hospitality on three continents, working in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. In her most recent role as Regional Head for an award-winning luxury travel company, Sujata set up offices across Australia, New Zealand, and China. Her keen eye for genuine luxury, coupled with a deep interest in travel trends, formed the basis of an ever-changing product portfolio and the development of innovative travel products. Sujata’s love of travel has seen her cross the globe, searching out innovative travel experiences for sophisticated travellers desiring a real understanding of the wider world.
SUSIE WESTWOOD
Managing Director, Australia
The Brandman Agency
Susie Westwood is a luxury travel leader and director of The Brandman Agency, Sydney. The agency has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London as well as Sydney, and takes a global approach with its prestigious stable of travel, tourism, design, and hospitality clients.
Susie’s background encompasses many successful years with the Vogue magazines Australia — Vogue Australia, Vogue Entertaining & Travel, and Vogue Living Australia as an editor and writer and, additionally, in promotional roles such as Director of Public Relations, whilst they were published by The Condé Nast Publications in Australia and following.
Together with Melanie Brandman, Founder and CEO, The Brandman Agency, New York, Susie launched The Brandman Agency Australia in November 2011.
A spirit of adventure and an appreciation for beauty have led Susie to continuously explore and enjoy some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, stunning hotels and resorts near and far, and luxury, eco-conscious cruise lines over years of travel personally with her family and professionally. As a result, she has an in-depth knowledge of exceptional travel products and experiences.
YVONNE VERSTANDIG
Managing Director
Y Travel
Yvonne Verstandig is the founder of Y Travel, Australia’s premier luxury, purpose-led travel agency. Y Travel is built on the premise that the best travel experiences are those designed specifically with each traveller’s unique ‘travel DNA’ in mind. Her team of experienced travel advisors — including highly-reputed representatives from boutique Virtuoso agency, Trans World Travel, which Y Travel acquired in 2020 — curate purposeful, hyper-personalised itineraries for discerning travellers. Unique to Y Travel is Yvonne’s catalogue of eight specific ‘Y Factors’, which she personally developed as a way of categorising travel according to travellers’ different portals of passion. A tangible tool to encourage them to discover their “Travel Why”.
TRACEY LEITCH
Owner and Director
Impressions Marketing Communications
Tracey established Impressions Marketing Communications over two decades ago and has had an extensive and vibrant career in communications, with a Post-Graduate Business degree at the beginning of this journey.
Luxury clients along the way have included Jaguar Cars, Charles Heidsieck Champagne, Rémy Martin Cognac, Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji, Azamara, Berowra Waters Inn Sydney, Arajilla Retreat Lord Howe Island, On Board Luxury Expedition Cruising, and Saffire Freycinet Tasmania.
Significant results have been generated for all clients across print, broadcast, web, social media, and key influencer platforms, which have in turn contributed significantly to their business profile, growth, and success.
Tracey is a current member of The Australian Society Of Travel Writers, The Travmedia network, and the national PR hub The Social Diary.