Fiona Jeffery to leave WTM after 26 years in charge

Wednesday, 20 Mar, 2013 0

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

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

Ensuring our guests have an unforgettable experience while sailing with us is paramount; however, your health and safety remains our...

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 93 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives,...

Queensland – where it’s rude not to stare Here in Queensland, there’s plenty to do. But there’s even more to...

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in...

Travel specialists founded the company in 1999 as AC Tours. Since then we have grown and expanded to incorporate four...

Since 1932, P&O Cruises has offered Aussies and Kiwis the opportunity to take to the seas and have the holiday...

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools...

Home to America’s Best Beaches, a vibrant arts community and amazing outdoor experiences, St. Pete/Clearwater is a sunny destination that...

The superpower in bed banks for 30 years We are an award-winning and trusted accommodation wholesaler since 1991. We are...

At Visit California, our mission is to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry...

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

The city has been the vibrant heart of Japan for over 400 years, and is a crossroads where tradition meets...

Since its launch in 1999, TravelMole.com has become, one of the largest global online travel industry communities. It is comprised...

ECOMMPAY is an international payment service provider and direct bank card acquirer, engineering bespoke payment solutions for clients worldwide. Our...