Fiona Jeffery to leave WTM after 26 years in charge
Fiona Jeffery is to leave World Travel Market after 26 years.
She said was quitting to pursue other interests in the global travel and tourism industry.
Jeffery, who received an OBE for services to tourism last year, will continue her role as chairman of Just a Drop, the international water charity she founded in 1998.
In 1997, as WTM exhibition director, Jeffery launched World Travel Market’s "Environmental Awareness Day" which, with the support of the WTM team, she has developed into "WTM World Responsible Tourism Day" since 2005 and it is now the biggest event of its kind worldwide.
As founder of an international water aid charity she has also helped more than a million people in 30 countries to access clean, safe water.
A further key milestone achieved by Jeffery and the WTM team has been the successful landmark WTM Ministers’ Programme in association with the UNWTO. Her work with Just a Drop has persuaded the industry, including many organisations, destinations, tourist boards and operators to regularly raise funds.
"I am sad to go after all this time but proud of the achievements that have been realised by myself and the World Travel Market team", said Jeffery. "I leave behind a business that has grown to become a strong global brand."
WTM will continue to be run by the existing and experienced management team led by senior exhibition director Simon Press.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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