How working from anywhere can empower women in the travel industry

By James Harrison

Coming out of the pandemic, one thing that has stuck around is working from anywhere and the travel industry has followed suit, a game-changing development for so many women in the industry.

Afterall it’s the flexibility that women have been craving and demanding for years.

Speaking on the issue, and in light of today being International Women’s Day (IWD), Nicola Veltman, the director of people and culture at 1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG), voiced her opinion on how working from anywhere can empower women in the travel industry.

“I strongly believe it’s a mental health movement, as much as a work from anywhere movement,” Veltman said.

“Enabling people to be the best, happiest and healthiest version of themselves. You get to choose how you work, where you work and when you work to achieve your own goals.”

1000MTG mainly focuses on corporate travel and has travel experts all over Australia and the UK who work remotely.

Veltman runs the business with her husband Ben Ross, the CEO of 1000MTG, and said the couple can work overseas for months at a time without getting in the way of raising kids.

“We wanted to create a model that allowed others to have that too. To help agents live their best lives and be unshackled from the constraints of the traditional corporate travel management company,” she said.

The 1000MTG member also called for women to understand their own agency while elevating one another for success.

“I have three children, two of whom are daughters and I am passionate about letting them know that anything is possible and you are only bound by the limits you set for yourself, not those that society creates for you,” Veltman said.

Veltman with her three children

“My life certainly hasn’t been lived in the ‘status quo’, instead my vision and goals have driven me to success.

“As women, we need to share our stories (of success and failure) and encourage active dialogue with each other.

“We need to support each other, lift each other up and help each other on our journeys. Talk, ask questions, research and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.

“We truly are the masters of our own destiny, but we need the support of others to get there.”

Veltman’s comments come as many in the travel industry have celebrated IWD, including Intrepid, who relaunched it’s Women’s Expeditions.

This year’s IWD theme is to #BreakTheBias, which aims to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality.

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

1000 Mile Travel Group 1000MTG Ben Ross International Womens Day IWD Nicola Veltman