“Despite all the technology currently available in the travel industry, people will still want to talk to real people who listen to them, understand their needs and will create a travel experience that exceeds their expectations.” – Genevieve Atkins.

Genevieve Atkins joined the travel industry 38 years ago when executive roles were mostly held by men. When she won her first sales award it was not publicly recognised as management feared it would “upset” her male colleagues. Genevieve has since blazed a trail for women in senior travel management roles, working with Qantas and Andrew Jones Travel before moving to her current role as Business Development Manager for The Travel Studio and Volunteer Holidays. Genevieve launched the concept for The Travel Studio in 2009, giving travellers the opportunity to experience and help disadvantaged communities in 22 developing countries. Volunteer Holidays now makes up more than 10 per cent of the Tasmanian organisation’s business. An expert in identifying and growing niche markets, Genevieve previously launched and operated a successful travel club for single women. She continues to mentor and champion women in business as founder of the Studio Network Club, which gives members a chance to network and hear motivational speakers.

“Happy and contented staff is my number one priority, because without them our targets will not be met and I won't have a business.” – Carolyn Snare.

Carolyn Snare and husband David became the first out-sourced ground handlers for a major domestic airline when they landed a contract with Ansett subsidiary Kendell Airlines in 1999. The deal was marred by union unrest, and the business closed in 2001 when Ansett collapsed. Undeterred, Carolyn contacted Virgin Blue, and within six weeks had a new business up and running. D & C Snare provides baggage and freight handling around the clock for airlines at Launceston Airport. It also handles passenger check-in, boarding, customer inquiries and aircraft cleaning. Despite David’s airline background, it was Carolyn who wanted to pursue the ground handling business. She has embraced the challenges of working in a highly regulated environment, building a high-performing team of 27 employees through open communication, regular training and development, and staying ahead of industry trends. Carolyn is now shaping the customer service team to better support the growing number of business travellers using Launceston airport.

“Despite all the technology currently available in the travel industry, people will still want to talk to real people who listen to them, understand their needs and will create a travel experience that exceeds their expectations.” – Genevieve Atkins.

Genevieve Atkins joined the travel industry 38 years ago when executive roles were mostly held by men. When she won her first sales award it was not publicly recognised as management feared it would “upset” her male colleagues. Genevieve has since blazed a trail for women in senior travel management roles, working with Qantas and Andrew Jones Travel before moving to her current role as Business Development Manager for The Travel Studio and Volunteer Holidays. Genevieve launched the concept for The Travel Studio in 2009, giving travellers the opportunity to experience and help disadvantaged communities in 22 developing countries. Volunteer Holidays now makes up more than 10 per cent of the Tasmanian organisation’s business. An expert in identifying and growing niche markets, Genevieve previously launched and operated a successful travel club for single women. She continues to mentor and champion women in business as founder of the Studio Network Club, which gives members a chance to network and hear motivational speakers.

“I do my best work when I focus on achieving results that improve people's lives.” – Donna Bain.

Donna Bain has a self-confessed habit of taking on paid and volunteer roles with little or no experience, simply because she wants to help. Her confidence has led her to a diverse career in the not-for-profit sector, including roles in adult education and migrant services. She now runs Self Help Workshop in Youngtown, providing employment for 54 people with disabilities. The enterprise provides work in four commercial areas: timber products, such as pallets; business services; second-hand clothing and rags; and catering. Since arriving as General Manager in 2009, Donna has quadrupled grant income through 27 new grants to sustain and expand commercial services and develop more life skills-oriented programs. Projects include a kitchen garden, which has helped teach employees independent living skills, and she is now designing a program to help older employees transition to retirement. Donna also works as a technical writer for the United Nations and volunteers with the Migrant Resource Centre in Northern Tasmania.

“We want to create holidays with a real purpose and where people can benefit from the incredible feeling of helping someone else.” – Genevieve Atkins.

Genevieve Atkins helps travellers have a holiday and help humanity along the way. On joining The Travel Studio in Hobart two years ago, she launched Volunteer Holidays, offering travellers the chance to lend a hand in developing nations, such as Thailand, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. Holiday-makers, schools and workplaces can choose from a variety of volunteer experiences, ranging from one-day encounters with a community to week-long group projects combined with 5-star accommodation as well as year-long cultural immersions. Genevieve developed the experiences with aid organisations and teamed with pop star Guy Sebastian to promote the concept. Volunteer Holidays now offers experiences in 22 countries. Each trip since the first has been successful in providing transformation in poor communities, with a proportion of all profits donated to participating community programs. Volunteer Holidays has been so successful it makes up more than 10 per cent of The Travel Studio’s business, with 75 per cent of customers volunteering again.