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GBTA announces first winner of new award
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) today announced the creation of a new award to recognise services to the European travel and meetings management industry.
The GBTA Luoma Award has been created in honour of Jutta Luoma, the executive director of the Finnish Business Travel Association, who retires in December.
Announcing the creation of the award at the opening of the GBTA's European conference, advisory board chair Caroline Strachan said: “GBTA Europe wanted to create an award to recognise those volunteers who have worked hard to create the right environment for GBTA to engage buyers and suppliers in Europe.
" The award is named after one business travel association executive who has worked tirelessly to help bring about a single, European, buyer-led network and the criteria for winning the award is based on this person’s credentials.”
The award recognises individuals who:
- work as volunteers to support the development of GBTA & our local market partners in Europe
- work in the best interests of the GBTA Europe members and industry
- are independent-minded and prepared to speak out
- challenge issues within the sector, both publicly and privately
- provide direction for European travel and meetings management
The first award was presented to head of sourcing for Sidel and GBTA Europe Advisory Board member, Frenchman Yann Le Goff for his "dedication to education and training in the French market and his support over the last two years to establish a GBTA presence in France and Belgium through the creation of a Francophone network".
By Linsey McNeill
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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