Mary McKenna, managing director at Tour America, has been voted Woman of the Year in the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards.
McKenna, from Dublin, was honoured for her ‘passion, success and accessibility’ which makes her an ‘exceptional role model and a great industry ambassador’.
She was singled out by the judges for her outstanding business acumen and dedication to inspiring other female entrepreneurs.
The only female entrepreneur in Ireland to run a tour operator, she has grown her business over the last 22 years and now employs 50 people and delivers 58% repeat business.
Alongside her MD role, everywoman said McKenna is a ‘true advocate for encouraging female entrepreneurs to create and develop their own businesses through various mentorship programmes’.
Winners were selected by a judging panel including Rachel O’Reilly, head of communications Kuoni, and Jo Rzymowska, vice president & managing director UK and Ireland & Asia at Celebrity Cruises.
The awards were launched this year to recognise the ‘plethora of female talent in the industry, highlight the growing need for more women in senior positions, particularly as the sector faces unprecedented challenges in light of Brexit, and encourage more women into the industry to ensure a strong pipeline of future talent’.
The other winners were:
One to Watch
Ellie Barton, Hays Travel apprentice, from Darlington
Tomorrow’s Leader
Rebecca Hipkin, travel support team leader Intrepid Group, from London
Entrepreneur
Abi Wright, Spabreaks.com co-founder and MD, from Newbury, London
Above & Beyond
Karen Morris, global operations director Travel Counsellors, from Manchester
Team Leader
Angela Terry, TUI contact centre manager, from Swansea
Leader
Helen Caron, TUI distribution & cruise director, from Luton.
