Fiona Jeffery to leave WTM after 26 years in charge
Fiona Jeffery is to leave World Travel Market after 26 years.
She said was quitting to pursue other interests in the global travel and tourism industry.
Jeffery, who received an OBE for services to tourism last year, will continue her role as chairman of Just a Drop, the international water charity she founded in 1998.
In 1997, as WTM exhibition director, Jeffery launched World Travel Market’s "Environmental Awareness Day" which, with the support of the WTM team, she has developed into "WTM World Responsible Tourism Day" since 2005 and it is now the biggest event of its kind worldwide.
As founder of an international water aid charity she has also helped more than a million people in 30 countries to access clean, safe water.
A further key milestone achieved by Jeffery and the WTM team has been the successful landmark WTM Ministers’ Programme in association with the UNWTO. Her work with Just a Drop has persuaded the industry, including many organisations, destinations, tourist boards and operators to regularly raise funds.
"I am sad to go after all this time but proud of the achievements that have been realised by myself and the World Travel Market team", said Jeffery. "I leave behind a business that has grown to become a strong global brand."
WTM will continue to be run by the existing and experienced management team led by senior exhibition director Simon Press.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive