Gai Tyrrell tells us what it means to win Women in Travel

Okay, you may be wondering a little more about these not-so-mysterious Women in Travel Awards.

Luckily, we’ve caught up with one of the famed winners to tell you everything you need to know.

Firstly, the Women in Travel Awards are set to be held on November 27 and, for the second year running, are also set to be an inspiring, fun and educational event.

But more importantly, entries close tomorrow. Tomorrow! And to win an award at the ~awards~ you have to enter. But why? You ask.

Enter Gai Tyrrell. She’s the Regional Director Australia & New Zealand at Hawaiian Airlines, and dominated in the Aviation category at last years Women in Travel Awards.

That’s right – there are categories. 18 to be exact. And you can even enter in more than one!

But you don’t even have to enter to win an award – Tyrrell was nominated, and said it was an honour to be. You can also just come for fun – grab yourself some earlybird tix here.

“[The Women in Travel Awards] is a great initiative to make a separate and special effort to recognise hard working, high achieving women at all stages of their careers,” she said.

“We all know that it is a wider initiative to have more women in more senior roles across all sectors, but sadly it isn’t really yet the case.

“Our industry is frantically busy and competitive and our products – hotel rooms, airline seats, cruise berths etc are highly perishable, so who among us has much time to stop and pay recognition to female colleagues and, more importantly, still encourage confidence and achievement among those staring out, re-entering the industry or aiming for the stars?”

And Tyrrell has definitely been aiming for the stars throughout the last year – Hawaiin Airlines profile is higher than ever, with new in-flight perks like the Extra Comfort seating and being able to lie completely flat in business class hitting chords with their customers.

But as for any challenges along the way? Not for a Women in Travel Awards winner.

“I only see challenges as opportunities, so if there are challenges which may prevent women in travel from achieving their professional and personal goals…let’s hear them, examine them and finds ways together to meet them,” Tyrrell said.

A challenge that definitely doubles as an opportunity is entering the Women in Travel Awards – which you can do right here, btw.

Tyrrell believes in you, and so do we.

“These awards are an opportunity among peers, seniors, juniors, counterparts to show your professional acumen and to be proud of your work, initiative and ingenuity,” she said.

“Own your accomplishments and don’t be shy about discussing your determination, showcasing your ideas and what you have achieved and still want to achieve.

“Acknowledge others who have helped you along the way and encourage other women to enter.”

Need to know anything else? Head to the Women in Travel website.

And some quick love for our sponsors – you guys are the greatest!

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Gai Tyrrell hawaiian airlines Women in Travel Awards