The Women in Travel Awards are back for 2026! In this editorial series, we are shining a light on some of the incredible women who make up the travel industry.
For more than a decade, Sherly Handjojo has been one of the most familiar faces in the Australian travel industry.
As the marketing manager of Tourism Authority of Thailand across Australia and New Zealand, she’s spent almost 11 years building relationships, championing one of the region’s most popular destinations and connecting hundreds of travel advisors with Thai suppliers through roadshows, events and partnerships.
But behind the scenes, another ambition has been taking shape.
“For a number of years, I had this idea brewing in my head that I wanted to start a sales and marketing representation company,” Handjojo said. “I just never really had that umph to actually make it a reality.”
That changed when she was named a winner of the Tourism Board category at the 2025 Women in Travel Awards.
“Winning that award… I’m a Catholic, so this was God’s sign for me to do something.”
Introducing Marketing Wonders
Now, that long-held dream has become a reality.
Handjojo has officially launched Marketing Wonders, a sales and marketing representation business designed to help international travel brands, from hotels and destination management companies to tourism boards, better connect with the Australian and New Zealand market.
“I’m opening up my passion in travel and my local insights into Australian and New Zealand traveller behaviour for overseas companies that want their brand represented well,” she says. “It’s precisely what I do for Thailand Tourism.”
The business is still in its early stages, but the company is registered, the foundations are in place and Handjojo is already looking ahead to securing her first clients. For someone who admits she’d been “battling” with the decision for years, the timing finally felt right.
“I always think everything happens for a reason, and I’m really, really happy.”
Taking the leap
Despite taking home the award last year, Handjojo almost didn’t enter. Having been named a finalist several times before, she wasn’t convinced this year would be any different.
“You never know,” she said. “I’ve been a finalist several times and I didn’t think I was going to win.”
It is why she now encourages other women across the industry to put themselves forward. “I was one of those people who thought, ‘Life is too busy. Don’t even bother.’
For Handjojo, entering was also about practising what she preached at home.
“I have two daughters, and ever since they were little, I’ve always told them, ‘Participate in everything, put yourself out there.’
“But I realised I wasn’t always embodying that myself. I thought, ‘I’ve got to show it, not just tell my kids to do it.'”
Because sometimes, Handjojo says, what you gain is far more than a trophy.
Sometimes, it’s the confidence to take the leap you’ve been contemplating for years.
The Women in Travel Awards are back in a big way, with early entries and nominations running higher than ever.
This year’s theme, ‘Never Too Much’, is a call for women to embrace ambition, authenticity and the confidence to recognise their own impact.
The awards are open to women at every stage in their career and entry is completely free.
We’ve also introduced a shiny new nomination feature so that you can encourage an exceptional woman deserving of recognition. Those who have been nominated will still need to complete an application.
Enter or nominate here.
