FIONA JEFFERY, chairman of World Travel Market has won a prestigious UK award dedicated to women working in the travel industry. She is the recipient of 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 its response to 9/11, when much of the global industry was in trauma.

In addition, Jeffery has pioneered key international initiatives such as WTM World Responsible Tourism Day and the founding of water-aid charity Just a Drop ten years ago on behalf of the international travel industry.

The news comes just days after World Travel Market announced it had had its largest record-breaking show, with an increase of 12% on visitors and 4% rise in participants.

Since their inception in 2004, the SHINE Awards have recognized 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.”

Jeffery said she was especially pleased with the success of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day in association with the UNWTO, the first global day of action of its kind, now in its second year.
 
Just a Drop, which has provided clean water to more than 900,000 children and families in 28 countries, attracts support and fund raising from travel companies and individuals worldwide.