Global Travel Collection’s Third Annual London Summer Soirée Unites Top Independent Travel Advisors and Partners

Friday, Aug 22, 2025 0

Debuts New Industry Partner Awards

Global Travel Collection (GTC), the world’s leading community of luxury travel advisors that is part of Internova Travel Group, held its third annual Summer Soirée on August 21 at Aqua Kyoto Rooftop in London.

The event brought together more than 220 travel professionals including, 100 independent travel advisors and nearly 120 of GTC’s preferred partners, underscoring the company’s growing influence in the UK and the power of collaboration in delivering premium travel services to leisure clients, corporate executives and the entertainment industry.

The celebration, organized by Abhishek Shankar, Director of Partner Relations & Marketing for GTC in the UK, and Your Event Solutions (YES), which is also part of Internova Travel Group, comes at a time when the value of supplier partnerships is key during a competitive market. Ahead of the soirée, GTC and Internova Travel Group leadership held a business update at The Langham Hotel, sharing key business trends, a company update and future growth opportunities.

“Our Summer Soirée is more than a celebration. It’s a reflection of the incredible momentum we’re seeing across our business and the industry at large,” said Angie Licea, President of GTC. “At a time when travellers are seeking experiences that deliver greater value, are more personalized and more meaningful than ever before, our partnerships are central to delivering on those expectations. This event is about strengthening the connections that help us all succeed.”

Executives including J.D. O’Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group; Francesca Mendola, Managing Director of GTC in the UK; Vanessa McGovern, Senior Vice President of GTC Partner Product, Marketing & Events and Simon Brooks, Senior Vice President of Advisor Success for GTC, presented updates on new initiatives, technology investments and advisor support programs designed to fuel continued growth.

“This occasion stands out as a highlight of the UK travel calendar,” added Francesca Mendola, Managing Director, Global Travel Collection UK. “It brings together our advisors, partners and leadership to connect meaningfully, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships that fuel success.”

This year’s soirée included the Global Travel Collection Partner Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across the industry. Awards were presented in categories such as London Hotel of the Year 2025, Representation Company of the Year 2025, European Hotel Brand of the Year 2025, Entertainment Account Manager of the Year 2025 and Leisure Account Manager of the Year 2025.

“Voted on by our independent contractors, these awards are our way of honouring those who go above and beyond to deliver excellence,” said Abhishek Shankar, Director of Partner Relations & Marketing for GTC UK. They set the benchmark for innovation, service, and creativity in our industry.”

By bringing together top advisors, preferred partners and company executives, Global Travel Collection’s Summer Soirée has established itself as a premier gathering for the travel industry, blending celebration with strategic vision for the future.