Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

”My name is Tina Marie Benbow Assoc CIPD, and  I am  Tourism and HR professional.

I am currently a Postgraduate student at the University of Wolverhampton, studying Strategic People Management and HR; however, my undergraduate degree was in Tourism Management, where I obtained a 1^st class (Hons) degree. I have an Associate CIPD qualification and qualified as a Mental Health First aider (MHFA) and a First Aider at work.

I have been the student course rep, so I have been able to use my development skills to collaborate between students and staff, who are not confident to raise concerns.”

Why did you choose your field of study?

”I have represented the University of Wolverhampton as the ITT (Institute of Travel and Tourism) student ambassador for the last three years and feel honoured to have been given that role, as I have been fortunate to travel to many conferences and network with many influential leaders in the industry. I was invited as a panellist speaker, which has raised my profile to talk about the lost generation and diversity and inclusion on the MSC Cruise ship at the 2021 conference. I highly recommend any student join the ITT for a small fee or even become an ambassador as it can open many doors and raise your profile when looking for that role.”

Tell me about your experience within the travel and tourism sector.

”My career in the Tourism Industry spans over 25 years, in various roles as Travel agent, Sales Manager and Business Development Manager, for small retail agents to prominent global online travel agents, working on B2B And B2C.  I am a passionate, highly motivated individual looking to develop. However, Covid 19 resulted in redundancy, which was not my trajectory. I quickly changed direction in the short term; hence, continuing in academia,  a subject I knew would develop my leadership skills.”

What are your goals?

”Travel will bounce back and have worked in the industry through the tragic events of 911, Tunisia attacks, Ash cloud, Bombing in Egypt, and and many highlights the resilience. My goals are to find my dream job as a leader and inspire and empower others within this unique Industry.

The travel industry is resilient, and we possess many transferable skills which can be developed and utilised. Hopefully, when my master’s is complete, I can re-join the travel and tourism industry with many newly acquired skills. We can all overcome adversity and flourish.”