Executive Team

  • Alicia Fajardo

    Sustainable Tourism Specialist

    I have worked in the tourism sector for more than 15 years, with a background in the development of tourism public policies and strategies for destinations and the implementation of sustainable tourism projects. I have a particular interest in applying a regenerative approach to tourism management.

    alicia.fajardo@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Ben Lynam

    Head of Strategic Communications

    I work with Gina, Kate and Jane in my team to communicate the fantastic work of the Travel Foundation, and I am the main point of contact for journalists. I’ve been in the role since 2012, and have a background in both charity and government communications. Of course I also love to travel!

    ben.lynam@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Elke-Dens

    Elke Dens

    Director of Global Programmes

    I am a communication scientist and have worked in the field of international tourism for almost 20 years. I see tourism as a catalyst for positive change and I'm passionate about creating tourism programmes and strategies that help people, places and organisations flourish.

    elke.dens@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Georgia Eftihiou-Dennis

    Finance and Operations Officer

    My role within the team is to provide support with the operational and financial aspects of the Travel Foundation. I have a background in accounts and administration, and experience within the charity sector. I love to travel and am passionate about sustainable tourism.

    georgia.dennis@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Georgina Davies

    Communications Manager

    As part of our small communications team, my role is all about promoting our work and its benefits - everything from creating new comms materials to managing events. I joined the Travel Foundation in 2009 having previously worked for Whale and Dolphin Conservation as their Communications Manager.

    georgina.davies@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Graeme Jackson

    Head of Strategic Partnerships

    I’m a trained journalist and PR practitioner and today I’m responsible for developing and managing our corporate partnerships, connecting travel brands with our fantastic destination work and helping them to engage and inspire colleagues, customers and stakeholders. I’d love you to get in touch!

    graeme.jackson@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Jane Connolly

    Jane Connelly

    Communications Coordinator

    My background is in education, tourism, and destination development, and I hold an MSc in Innovation in Tourism Management. I am particularly interested in the role of food and gastronomy in developing sustainable tourism and am passionate about finding synergies and connecting people.

    jane.connelly@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Jeremy Sampson

    CEO

    I've worked in tourism and conservation for many years and have a personal and professional passion for travel. I've worked with destinations and industry partners globally, and believe we must continue to build momentum for our movement, maximising the benefits of tourism for people and nature.

    jeremy.sampson@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Jeremy Smith

    Climate Specialist

    I am a writer and strategist working to ensure a sustainable and regenerative future for tourism. I co-founded Tourism Declares and co-authored the Glasgow Declaration, which both aim to support and accelerate climate action in tourism. I am now leading the TF's Climate Action Programme.

    jeremy.smith@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Kate Lewis

    Communications Coordinator

    I provide support to the communications team at The Travel Foundation. My comms background is in sustainable development and conservation and I have an MA in tourism, environment and development. I'm passionate about travel and tourism, and how it can be a real force for good.

    kate.lewis@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Katie

    Katie James

    Project Manager

    My background is in the international development sector with a particular focus on sustainable livelihoods, natural resources and multi-stakeholder engagement. I hold an MSc in International Development, and speak French and Spanish. I joined TF in January 2017 to manage the Jamaica programme.

    katie.james@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Kelly Galaski

    Sustainable Tourism Specialist

    Sustainable tourism has been my passion for 20 years and the focus of my work and academic experience since 2006. I have experience in community tourism and responsible travel policy development. I strongly believe in the transformative power of tourism to generate positive benefits for our future.

    kelly.galaski@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Martina Bradáčová

    Programmes Assistant

    I have a background in tourism management and international higher education. Since I gained MSc in Sustainable Tourism Development I am particularly curious about the impact of a participatory approach on communities in tourism destinations. I support the Programmes Team with portfolio delivery.

    martina.bradacova@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Patty Martin, Climate consultant

    Patty Martin

    Climate Consultant

    I am a scientist by training and work as a climate coach and consultant with leaders from all over to bring climate science and technology into decisions making moments. My hope is that I can help support the people I work with to feel confident that they are making impactful choices.

    patricia.kimimila@gmail.com

  • Rebecca Armstrong

    Rebecca Armstrong

    Sustainable Tourism Specialist

    In 2008, I left my lawyer job for a new career in sustainable tourism and I’ve never looked back! First gaining an MSc in Responsible Tourism Management, I’ve since helped shape strategy and policy for destinations and businesses, as well as practical stakeholder engagement and capacity building.

    rebecca.armstrong@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Terry Brown

    Programme Manager

    I joined the Travel Foundation in 2014, and manage the Destinations Programme team. Outbound tour operating and international development comprise most of my professional and academic experience. I also have a degree in Spanish and French and a particular interest in Latin America.

    terry.brown@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

  • Tess Quinn-Forgan

    Director of Finance and Operations

    With over 12 years’ experience at the Travel Foundation, my role is to lead and manage all aspects of the organisation’s finances. I also oversee the operational aspects of the charity, including IT, HR support and contract management, providing support to the team in the delivery of their work.

    Tess.Forgan@thetravelfoundation.org.uk

Our Trustees

  • Megan Morikawa

    Chair

    Megan is Global Director of Sustainability at Iberostar Group. Based in the USA, Megan has experience in marine sciences and of driving innovative solutions in circular economy, blue foods, climate mitigation and adaptation, and coastal resilience for the tourism sector.

  • Georgette James

    Treasurer

    Georgette is Founder of Clynice Travel & Tourism Consulting, which focuses on market research, analysis, and strategy. Georgette is based in the USA and is a Northeast chapter Board Member of the Travel & Tourism Research Association.

  • Dr Susanne Etti

    Trustee

    Based in Melbourne, Australia, Susanne is Global Environmental Impact Manager for Intrepid Travel. Susanne has dedicated over 15 years to fighting climate change and is helping lead Intrepid, and the wider travel industry, to a low carbon economy through science-based approaches to decarbonization.

  • Şemsi Toprak

    Trustee

    Semsi is Turkey Programme Manager at the TUI Care Foundation. Based in Turkey, Semsi managed the Travel Foundation’s projects in the country until 2022, leading two successful initiatives that linked small-scale producers with a large, mainstream tourism supply chain.

  • Rochelle-Turner

    Rochelle Turner

    Trustee

    Rochelle has held senior roles across consumer, market, policy & economic research inc. for Ipsos-MORI, TUI, Which? and WTTC, where she was VP of Research & Sustainability. She is now a consultant working on ESG, net Zero and other sustainability issues for global tourism & hospitality companies.

  • cathy-ritter

    Cathy Ritter

    Trustee

    Cathy Ritter has led state tourism offices in both Colorado and Illinois and is widely credited with initiating a sustainable tourism movement in the U.S. Currently, she heads Better Destinations LLC, a consulting business focused on destination planning and responsible travel.

  • Manal-Kelig

    Dr Manal Kelig

    Trustee

    Manal is one of three co- founders of Gateway To Egypt for tourism research & travel marketing and Great Wonders of Egypt for responsible & sustainable travel. In addition to her private operation, Manal is also the MENA region Executive Director of Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).

  • Helen Marano

    Helen Marano

    Trustee

    Helen Marano is Senior Vice-President of Longwoods International, a leading US consumer market research company. She brings extensive global experience in government and industry relations including leading roles at WTTC, the US National Travel and Tourism Office and Marano Perspectives.

  • Jane Ashton

    Trustee

    Jane is Sustainability Director at easyJet PLC, where she drives sustainable business activity across the airline and easyJet Holidays, a tour operator. Jane is also an Executive Board Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

  • Debbie Hindle

    Vice-chair

    Debbie is Chief Executive, Travel, of Four Communications - the UK's leading integrated independent communications agency which includes luxury, digital, SEO, media buying, sports, art, culture , consumer, corporate, property, public affairs and campaigning specialists

  • Noel Josephides

    Noel Josephides

    Associate Member

    Noel is the founding partner and Chairman of Sunvil Holidays, since 1973. He is a board member of AITO and between 2013 and 2019 he was Chairman of ABTA. Noel is the Chairman of AGTA (Association of Greek Cypriot Travel Agents and Tour Operators).

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