ABTA Regional Student Representatives

India Lane is the ABTA Regional Representative from Lincoln University and is being mentored by Intrepid Travel.

"Hi, I'm India, I am a second year International tourism management student studying at the University of Lincoln. Growing up living abroad and spending much of my childhood travelling the world, I always knew I had a passion for travel and tourism. Being lucky enough to experience such a kaleidoscope of different cultures, practices and perspectives has shaped my understanding of both the tourism industry, and the developing world of travel as we know it. Receiving the opportunity to partner alongside ABTA has provided me with a chance to gain valuable insight, interaction and experience into the industry, which I will carry along with me as my journey into the tourism industry unfolds. I am grateful to be presented with such a unique opportunity, and cannot wait to develop my skills further."

Joshua Griffin is the ABTA Regional Representative from Lincoln University and is being mentored by Intrepid Travel. 

"Hello, my name is Joshua Griffin and I am currently enjoying my second year at the University of Lincoln studying BA (Hons) International Tourism Management. I love travelling to new destinations to see new cultures and take in unique experiences and I have done so since before I can remember. It is only natural then, that I have chosen to pursue a future in the Tourism industry. Since beginning my journey into the Tourism industry I have spent a lot of time researching and learning about ABTA so as an ABTA Student Representative I hope to gain a more in depth understanding of the association and maybe a new perspective on how I look at the Tourism industry. This opportunity will enrich my future career prospects and my character so I look forward to giving it my all with my new professional contacts."

Emma Pugh is the ABTA Regional Representative from Bournemouth University and is being mentored by Andrew Baldwin, Carnival Group.

"Hi, I'm Emma Pugh and I am currently in my second year at Bournemouth University studying International Tourism and Hospitality Management. I decided to study tourism and hospitality because I've always had a huge passion for travelling as well as working with people. After college, I spent six years either working in hospitality jobs in the UK saving as much money as possible whilst enjoying my time, or travelling, volunteering, and working abroad in various countries in hopes to see as much of the world as possible. I decided to further my education at university in hopes of progressing to a higher position in a company someday, and am trying to widen my field of knowledge and experience as much as possible, which is why I am so happy and grateful that I have been selected to be mentored by an industry professional in this role as ABTA Student Rep."  
 

Gemma Meyrick is the ABTA Regional Representative for Cardiff Metropolitan University and is being mentored by Laura Tullet,  Hays Travel.

“My name is Gemma and I am in my third year at Cardiff Metropolitan University studying International Tourism management. From a young age, I knew that I loved to travel, and I have always enjoyed visiting new destinations. Although, before University, I had no previous education in tourism. This was intimidating for me to start a new area of study with no previous knowledge. But I was confident that this was the right path for me, and I have enjoyed every moment of my academic journey. I am now so excited and eager to begin a career into the tourism industry. I am thrilled to be one of ABTA’s Regional Student Representatives as I know this opportunity will benefit me to further develop my skills and begin my professional development.”  

Brooke Evans is the ABTA Regional Representative for Cardiff Metropolitan University and is being mentored by Laura Tullet, Hays Travel.

“My name is Brooke and I am a third year student of International Tourism Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University. For as long as I can remember I've been fascinated not only by travelling but with the business behind it. I started doing A-levels and that's when I realised, I was missing out on studying something I was passionate about. So, it was then I went to Merthyr Tydfil College to study Travel and Tourism which really opened my eyes to all the opportunities out there within the sector. Being an ABTA representative is one of those opportunities I have been given to develop my skills, gain professional insight and ultimately, benefit my future career."

Lucy Howley is the ABTA Regional Representative from the University of Derby and is being mentored by Bluebay Travel.  

"I'm Lucy Howley. After studying my Destination management module last semester, it has really sparked my interest in marketing, I've been researching into destination marketing for my research skills module and my interests are marketing, public relations and social media management, specifically for travel companies. I am hoping my module on Niche Tourism will further expand my knowledge on this topic as destination marketing is a strong contender for my dissertation topic."

Ben Mills is the ABTA Regional Representative from the University of Derby and is being mentored by Bluebay Travel. 

"I’m Ben Mills and I’m currently in my 2nd year studying International Tourism Management. I find Tourism an interesting space to work in as I didn’t know much about this subject before university. I am really loving the course. I think understanding the issues affecting Tourism and the bigger picture helps our understanding of what needs to be worked on and what needs to be done to fix and sustain the sector. I am interested in the impact of social media on niche tourism. I’m looking into a placement in America in June where I’ll be working for a year and gaining experience in hospitality as well as the cultural differences and where I will gain an understanding of over-tourism in the California area and the way they control it. This focus could give me that extra chance when I’m older to give me the opportunity to go all over the world and work in tourism."

Ellie Ford is the ABTA Regional Representative from Leeds Beckett University and is being mentored by Katie Rankin, Jet 2.

"Hello, my name is Ellie Ford, and I am currently in my final year studying International Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University. For as long as I can remember I have always had a love and passion for travelling and exploring new destinations and cultures. This in turn has made me want to have a career in the Tourism industry. I believe being an ABTA Student Representative will be a great opportunity for me, as it will give me a more in-depth view of the tourism industry workings and the Code of Conduct that all ABTA member companies have to adhere to. This exposure will greatly benefit my future career."

Christophagna Jean is the ABTA Regional Representative from Sheffield Hallam University and is being mentored by Kelly Wooffitt, Thomas Cook. 

"My name is Christophagna Jean, I'm from the Turks and Caicos Islands, I'm 25, and I'm now enrolled in a course on airline and airport management. I've always had a love for the aviation sector, even as a young child. For more than eight years, I have worked in the airline industry for American Airlines and Caicos Express, a regional carrier from my nation. My ideal position would be CEO of London Heathrow Airport, however for now I work as a travel advisor for Jet2 Airlines."

Wiki Novak is the ABTA Regional Representative from Sheffield Hallam University and is being mentored by Kelly Wooffitt.

"Hi I am Wiki Novak and I’m a student at Sheffield Hallam University. I chose to specialise in airline and airport management because I love to travel, and it helps me develop my life skills, experiences, and connections with people all around the world. My sense of contentment comes from connecting with people from a wide range of cultures. I have lots of ideas and a passion that I hope to be able to offer the travel industry."

Amanda-Jane-Lewis is the ABTA Regional Representative from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and is being mentored by Sophie Lockwood and Megan Smith from RCCL and Leigh Smith from Celebrity Cruises.

"My name is Amanda Lewis and I’m in my final year studying BA (Hons) Events and International Festivals Management at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in Swansea. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity of being one of the ABTA Regional Student Representatives. I believe this will enable me to develop invaluable skills to prepare me for my future career and allow me to connect and learn from experienced industry professionals. As a mature student with a passion for travelling, I always welcome the opportunity to visit new destinations worldwide as well as participating in academic field trips exploring different cultures. As part of UWTSD’s partnership with IRONMAN Wales, I gained practical international events experience hosting VIP guests, developing my industry skills and networking with a range of professionals within the travel and tourism sector."

Amy Harris is the ABTA Regional Representative from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and is being mentored by Sophie Lockwood and Megan Smith from RCCL and Leigh Smith from Celebrity Cruises.

"Hello, my name is Amy Harris. I am a mature student studying International Travel and Tourism Management at Level 6 in the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Swansea. I have always had a passion for travel and tourism; however, I have not had the opportunity to travel and explore this interest until I started the course in university. The opportunity to study has opened so many doors for me in the tourism industry, in my second year I got to travel all over the UK and Europe on placement working for the Travel Corporation as a Wellness Director. This was a unique opportunity created due to the Covid-19 pandemic and my role was to support the tour-director. The skills I developed during my placement are invaluable to me in career and has helped build the industry links, I need to further my career. It is a great honour to be an ABTA student representative and will give me greater knowledge and I am extremely excited to meet my mentor, attend the ABTA regional meetings and start my professional learning journey ready to go out into the industry and find my own career path.”

Eesha Kaur Logani is the ABTA Regional Representative from the University of Hertfordshire and is being mentored by Caroline Heaton, Easyjet Holidays.

"My name is Eesha Kaur Logani, and I am in my penultimate year of study at the University of Hertfordshire, majoring in BA Hons Business and Tourism. The tourism industry has always piqued my interest. For the first time, I met the ABTA team at my institution , and learning more about the organisation sparked my interest in the industry. Working with ABTA is now a tremendous thrill. This is an opportunity for me to not only broaden my professional knowledge and abilities but also to boost my personal growth by assisting me in identifying my main assets. I'm excited to meet the rest of the team and get to work."

Lola Shaw is the ABTA Regional Representative from Hertford Regional College and is mentored by Chris Brown, Easyjet Holidays.

"Hi, I’m Lola and I am currently in my second year of college, studying extended level 3 Travel and Tourism diploma at Hertford Regional College, Broxbourne campus. Coming to the end of secondary school, I was unsure what I wanted to do afterwards. My dad, being in the tourism industry, advised me to look at the Travel and Tourism course. I have always enjoyed going to new places, exploring and experiencing different cultures. When I looked at the course, I was very intrigued and it made me want to know more. A few months into my second year, I am so happy I chose to study Travel and Tourism. It is amazing to learn and it gives endless opportunities for the future. I am excited and grateful to be able to work with ABTA as a Student Representative and I can’t wait to widen my knowledge and gain a better insight within the Tourism industry."

Eason Li is the ABTA Regional Representative from the University of Surrey and is being mentored by Nicola Sadowski, Kuoni.

"Hi, I am Eason, a master student studying International Tourism Management at University of Surrey. I am interested in exploring new cultures in destinations and connecting with locals, as this is how I enjoy engaging with my travel experiences and gaining a primary understanding of tourism industry. I am privileged to have been selected as a student representative and to work with my mentors and colleagues in this scheme. With the support of ABTA and Kuoni through this valuable mentoring programme, I am excited to accumulate professional insights into the industry. This industry-based experience will help me better prepare for my dissertation and future career."