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 first 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 first 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."

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

"Hi, I’m Jack, I am in my final year at Bournemouth University for my undergraduate degree in Tourism Management. Recently I have returned from my placement within Millennium Hotels and Resorts which has given me great insight into the business side of the hotels sector especially the rebuilding of the team and brand post pandemic as well as many opportunities to integrate with operational departments on varying secondments within my employment. I applied to be an ABTA Regional Student Representative to put myself out there within the tourism industry and apply both the knowledge and skills I’ve learnt on my course in a practical setting, specifically by having the opportunity to explain more about the course and skills I have as it helps to develop to improve awareness. Tourism Management is more niche compared to other university courses therefore ABTA Members (potential employers for many graduates) may be unaware of the specifics of the course and what a student/graduate could bring studying tourism. Furthermore, being in the position to promote to students ABTA guest lectures and placement opportunities that may arise is valuable since opportunities after graduation are extremely competitive."
 

Filip Wojcik is the ABTA Regional Representative from the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London and is being mentored by Alex Black, Easyjet Holidays.

"Hello my name is Filip Wojcik and I’m a student at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. I am currently studying B-Tec Level 3 Travel and Tourism and have studied Business Level 2 in the previous year. I love travelling to new destinations, viewing and experiencing new cultures or enjoying my time in adventures in the country. This is why I have chosen to study travel and tourism and take part in the ABTA Student Representative.  Learning about ABTA and what it does it has given me a lot of interest gain a more depth understanding of the Travel and Tourism Sector. I consider being chosen as an ABTA Student Representative as an opportunity like no other which will teach me new skills. This will enable me to gain skills and knowledge to have a better chance at a great career in Travel and Tourism."

Alexandru Malai is the ABTA Regional Representative from the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London and is mentored by Alex Black, Easyjet Holidays. 

"Hello, my name is Alexandru Malai. I am currently studying Travel and Tourism Level 3 first year at the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London. I have chosen this course as I would like to have a career in this industry. I feel that I will be able to fulfill my dream to become a flight attendant as my college is providing me all the necessary tools and support to make my dream to become true. When I first started my course, I wasn't expecting to be learning about just how complex this industry is.  The course has given me a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of having a job in the travel and tourism industry. I consider that being selected as a ABTA student Representative is an incredible opportunity for myself and in developing my skills and knowledge which will be helpful to my future career."

Keely Benfield is the ABTA Regional Representative for Cardiff Metropolitan University and is being mentored by Kaye Clyne, Hays Travel. 

"Hi, I’m Keely, I’m currently studying international tourism management in my second year at Cardiff Metropolitan University. My love for the travel and tourism industry began at a very young age, I’ve always enjoyed travelling the world and learning new things about each destination. As a result of my love for the industry I studied tourism at A-level and am broadening my understanding more through my degree. Working as an ABTA student rep introduces many opportunities and insights that can help me to develop further ready for my future career in the industry - for this reason and many more I am extremely grateful to have been selected for the role."

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

"My name is Brooke and I am a second 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."

Emily Barrago-Pearce is the ABTA Regional Representative from Hertford Regional College and is mentored by Chris Brown, Easyjet Holidays. 

"Hi, I’m Emily Pearce. I am currently in my second year of college studying extended level 3 travel and tourism at Hertford regional college, Broxbourne campus.  From a young age, I have been interested in the world and different cultures as well as seeking new experiences. It was natural for me to study travel and tourism. This is such a big opportunity for me as I’m hoping by working with ABTA I can develop my knowledge, network, challenge myself and have fun.  I’d like to become cabin crew as it has always been my dream job."

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."