WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH
15:00-19:00 | News uk, london
Travel Marketing: Question Time is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Travel Group (CIM TG) and the Travel Marketing Professionals Network (TraMP) - organisers of The Travel Marketing Awards.
The event attracts marketers from across the travel ecosystem — including operators, agents, airlines, hotels, OTAs, cruise lines, and a wide range of agencies working with travel sector clients. It will bring together in-house and agency professionals for an afternoon of debates, questions and networking.
Attendees will enjoy
- Informative panel intros
- Two Question Time panels
- Networking with peers
- Drinks and canapés.
Richard Singer
President, CIM Travel Group
Richard Singer became CEO of Ice Travel Group in September 2021 having led the merger of icelolly.com and Travelsupermarket. Ice Travel group is backed by Moneysupermarket Group PLC and Palatine Private Equity. Prior to this, Richard was CEO of icelolly.com. icelolly.com and Travelsupermarket has a focus on helping their customers find the perfect holiday, at the best price, as easily as possible. Ice Travel Group is the largest holiday meta search and travel deals group in the UK specialising in Package Holidays, Car Hire and Travel Insurance.
Previously, Richard was President of Europe and Australia at Travelzoo (NASDAQ). During his tenure Richard doubled the membership across Europe to over 10 million subscribers, grew revenues by over 40%, and launched new business functions and products globally.
Richard also held senior positions at Telegraph Media Group - including General Manager of Travel where he led all commercial, editorial and product functions, and Commercial Director of Telegraph.co.uk.
Richard started his career as a Graduate Management Trainee for Rank Organisation/ Bourne Leisure. He graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc in Physical Education and Sports Science and an MSc in Management.
SESSION ONE
Through the funnel: why travel brands must invest in awareness to win in the long term
Disruption of the market, with the advent of LLMs, content creators, AI and the maturity of paid social has shaken up performance marketing and placed huge challenges for travel marketing leaders and their teams. Proliferation of channels and dispersion of audiences is at an all-time high, which requires smart marketing strategies to be successful. This panel will explore why investment across all channels is becoming ever more important. Hear from the leaders in their field how they are navigating growth for their brand. The discussion will be introduced by Alex Newlin, Head of Strategy and Planning at Accord Marketing, drawing on the findings of a new White Paper developed in partnership with Llama.
Alex Newlin
(introduction)
Head of Strategy & Planning, Accord Marketing
Since joining Accord in December 2018, Alex has become a pivotal force within the agency as Head of Strategy. Highly regarded for his analytical rigour and instinctive problem-solving ability, he brings a genuine passion for applying robust research tools and methodologies to create smarter, more effective, and truly innovative marketing campaigns. Collaborative, proactive, and able to nurture strong client relationships, he plays a key role in developing our approach to strategy, media planning and research for the agency and our clients.
heath heise
(panel chair)
Co-founder, Llama
With 25 years in brand marketing and 90+ countries visited, Heath brings a real passion for brand and travel. His career started at British Airways on
the grad programme, then American Express and Amex Travel, ending as VP international brand, and then global marketing director (CMO) at STA Travel.
As a brand consultant and co-founder of Llama, a strategic travel brand
marketing consultancy, Heath develops brand strategies, creates visual
identities, structures marketing teams, and delivers go‑to‑market plans for
small and mid-sized travel brands.
Erin Johnson
(panellist)
Group Chief Marketing Officer, TravCorp Holdings
Erin Johnson is Group Chief Marketing Officer at TravCorp Holdings, leading marketing across a portfolio of specialist travel brands including Citalia, Sovereign Luxury Travel, American Holidays, Destination2 and Destination2Cruise. She drives brand, performance and commercial strategy across both B2C and trade channels, with a focus on sustainable growth and modern marketing effectiveness. A Chartered Marketer and recognised industry voice, Erin is passionate about turning strategy into action and challenging textbook theory with real-world results. Outside work, she’s a proud mum, fitness enthusiast and lifelong travel obsessive — bringing energy, curiosity and heart to everything she does.
Ross matthews
(panellist)
Chief Marketing Officer – Northern Europe, Eurocamp
Ross Matthews is a marketing leader with over 20 years’ experience driving growth across travel and consumer brands. As Chief Marketing Officer for Northern Europe at European Camping Group, he leads brand, performance, and digital product strategy across multiple European markets, balancing short-term results with long-term brand value. Ross is known for combining data, digital innovation, and emerging AI capabilities to modernise marketing organisations and improve decision-making in complex, PE-backed environments. His work spans brand building, performance marketing, distribution strategy, and advanced measurement in an increasingly zero-click world. He has held senior leadership roles at Eurocamp, icelolly.com, Virgin Holidays, and Awaze, and previously served as a Non-Executive Director of a national youth sports charity.
Will Prosser
(panellist)
Director of Digital Marketing & eCommerce, TUI
Will leads Digital Marketing and Online Sales for TUI UK&I, reshaping how one of the world’s leading travel businesses attracts and retains customers in a digital-first world.
Overseeing a nine‑figure media budget, he is transforming how marketing is planned, activated, and measured at TUI — from optimising full‑funnel investment and creative effectiveness, to adopting AI and emerging channels. He champions clear, data‑driven return on investment in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Outside of work, Will is happiest exploring new destinations — and their culture, history and food — usually while chasing after his 16‑month‑old daughter.
jenny sowerby
(Panellist)
Marketing Director, Unique Vacations UK (Sandals)
Jenny is a seasoned marketing leader with extensive experience driving growth and brand impact in the travel and hospitality sector. Fuelled by a lifelong love of travel, she has built a career bringing destinations, experiences and brands to life. As Director of Marketing for the UK & Europe at Unique Vacations (UK) Ltd - the UK’s representative for Sandals and Beaches Resorts - Jenny blends strategic insight with creative execution to drive commercial performance. Over a 15-year career with the business, she has shaped high-profile campaigns and market initiatives, championing creativity and storytelling that captures the spirit of the Caribbean.
DANIELLE STRADLING
International Marketing Director, Oceania Cruises
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DANIELLE STRADLING
International Marketing Director, Oceania Cruises
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Insights from a Platinum Award Winner
Between the two panel sessions, Ant Stone, Director of Marketing at G Adventures, will join Andrew Shelton, Founder of Llama, for a fireside chat about G Adventures’ ‘Project Viet‑man’ PR stunt which won a Platinum Award at last year’s Travel Marketing Awards. They will explore what sets a standout awards entry apart and share insight into how the G Adventures team crafted their submission and what winning has meant for their business — helpful insights for those planning to enter this year’s Travel Marketing Awards.
ANT STONE
Director of Marketing, EMEA, G Adventures
Ant Stone is the Director of Marketing, EMEA for small group adventure tour operator G Adventures. In his role, he’s responsible for driving commercial and marketing success for the market-leading brand across both consumer and trade markets, without compromising the company’s mission to change the world through travel by focusing on community tourism.
His career began at Bauer Media, until the bright lights of the travel industry lured him to STA Travel. There, he was best known for driving global partnerships and campaigns, eventually joining G Adventures in 2017. Beyond the day job, Ant sits on the ITT Education & Training Committee, and he is a Vice Chair for the CIM Travel Industry Group.
ANDREW SHELTON
Founder, Llama
Andrew is a seasoned marketing leader with over 25 years of experience building and transforming some of the UK’s most recognizable travel brands. As the Founder of Llama and Travel Marketing Professionals, he specialises in developing robust marketing strategies and driving digital growth for businesses in the travel sector.
His career includes high-impact leadership roles such as Managing Director at Netflights and Cheapflights, and Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Holidays, where he spent eight years championing the brand and leading large-scale teams. Andrew’s foundation in the industry began at British Airways, where he rose through the ranks to manage UK leisure marketing. An expert in strategy development and digital transformation, Andrew is dedicated to supporting travel brands in navigating complex markets and achieving sustainable growth. He holds an MA in Economics and Geography from the University of Edinburgh and is based in London.
SESSION TWO
AI: which way is travel marketing heading?
AI is disrupting the channels that marketing teams have depended on for so long. Marketing leaders are having to re-think their budget allocations and channel targets, tried and tested play books are being ripped up. Equally, AI is creating new opportunities to rocket fuel their data and marketing technology and strategies. Hear from the leaders in this field as they debate what the future of travel marketing looks like in an AI era. The discussion will be introduced by Richard Wiles, SVP Data, Technology and AI, at News UK.
Richard Wiles
(Introduction)
SVP Technology, Data & AI, News UK
Richard Wiles is an accomplished technology executive based in London, driving organisational strategy through the integration of Data and Artificial Intelligence. Currently serving as the SVP of Technology, Data & AI at News UK, he focuses on translating complex technical data and AI-driven capabilities into high-return products. Richard is at the forefront of leveraging machine learning and data science to enhance consumer intelligence, and digital products.
He has an extensive track record of leading high-performance growth initiatives, including managing over one million subscriptions during his tenure as General Manager at News Corp Australia. Earlier in his career, he pioneered the market’s first Video on Demand (VOD) service at ninemsn. With core expertise in Data Strategy, Executive Management, and Strategic Thinking, navigating the intersection of AI innovation and data science to deliver digital growth at scale.
Charlotte Lamp Davies
(panel chair)
Founder, A Bright Approach
Charlotte Lamp Davies is the founder of A Bright Approach, a management consultancy specialising in business and go‑to‑market strategy, sales, brand positioning, marketing, PR and events. She shapes corporate strategies and moderates high‑profile industry events, drawing on extensive international experience and a strong global network.
Based in London and originally from Denmark, Charlotte is fluent in Danish, German, English and Swedish. Her career spans petrochemicals, software, publishing and computing, with work across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia. Her clients include Vitruvian Partners, Alyza, Nezasa, Mize, Travelsoft, Cambon Partners, HotelRunner, Travelier and Odysseus Solutions.
An influential figure in the travel and hospitality sector since 2007, Charlotte is a sought‑after speaker and mentor, contributing to programs at Oxford Brookes University and serving on advisory boards for the Travel Tech Show, ITB Berlin, Travolution, The Travel Foundation, Forbes Travel Guide and Phocuswright. She moderates on topics such as travel technology, innovation, DEI, sustainability and tours and activities. With 30+ years of global experience, she holds a highly regarded senior network within the travel industry.
Justin Reid
(Panellist)
Senior Director of Media, Destinations, Hotels and Growth, TripAdvisor
Justin is Senior Director for Tripadvisor and looks after all global partnerships outside of the Americas. Justin has been at Tripadvisor for over 10 years, during which time he claims to have never dreaded a Monday morning. Before that he worked for a number of different companies in a number of different industries, where he frequently dreaded
Monday mornings.
Chelsea Dickenson
(Panellist)
Founder, Holiday Expert
Chelsea is the Holiday Expert, dedicated to helping people get the best value out of their travels, no matter the size of their budget. With over one million followers across social media, Chelsea’s viral videos cover everything from avoiding hidden charges on Ryanair flights to scoring a five-star luxury getaway for less.
You might also spot her on TV – Chelsea is a regular expert on This Morning – and she frequently contributes to UK press and radio, sharing insights on topical travel stories. She also shares her latest thoughts on travel trends on her weekly podcast, Passports Please! And of course, Chelsea and her team are constantly updating this website to provide advice and guidance for anyone looking to book a great-value trip of their own.
David mcniven
(Panellist)
Head of Marketing, Hays Travel
David McNiven is Head of Marketing at Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, where he leads national marketing across media, performance, retail and partnerships. With over 20 years’ experience, he focuses on turning insight and technology into measurable commercial growth.
David is passionate about the role AI can play in making travel marketing smarter, more personal and more efficient. He brings a grounded perspective to the debate, cutting through hype to explore how AI can improve customer experience, decision-making and brand impact.
Ru
Roberts
(Panellist)
Director, Trading Performance, Holiday Extras
Ru has spent his career at the forefront of technical evolution in the media and marketing sectors. His early career was at The New York Times Company, as The NYT was on stage with Steve Jobs for the iPhone and iPad launches. He’s also spent more than a decade at Google, working with financial and travel businesses across EMEA and running Waze's UK business operations. Now, closer to home in East Kent, Ru is Director, Trading Performance, at Holiday Extras, the UK market leader in holiday extras, where he leads the growth and performance marketing teams. Here, Ru is heavily involved in Holiday Extras' innovative approach to customer experience powered by AI.
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