The Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) Ireland has announced its new committee for 2026 and a bold new direction aimed at strengthening its nationwide presence and expanding its membership.
The newly appointed committee members are:
· Olwen McKinney (Amadeus)
· Caroline Quigley (Keith Prowse)
· Jackie Spain (Holiday Experts)
· Mary McGrath (Holiday Experts)
· Lorraine Wynne (Travel Counsellors)
· Michelle Ryan (Travelmarvel)
· Susan Craddock (TTR/Travel Media)
· Trish O’Leary (Sabre)
Continuing from the previous committee are:
· Carrie Day (Riviera Travel)
· Katrina McMullan (Travel Counsellors)
· Allie Sheehan (ITTN Awards & Freelance Social Media Exec)
· Annette McCann (Travel Trade Executive)
Olwen McKinney will step into the role of Chairperson, with Carrie Day moving into the Vice-Chair role. Caroline Quigley will be the committees new Treasurer while Katrina McMullan will be Secretary for the AWTE.
Lorraine Wynne will be in charge of emails and communications, and Michelle Ryan will be taking charge of the association’s social media. Allie Sheehan will continue to manage the website and IT for the AWTE. Events will continue to be organised by Annette McCann and moving forward Susan Craddock will be working alongside Annette in this role.
At the forefront of growing memberships will be Mary McGrath, Jackie Spain and Trish O’Leary.
Olwen McKinney commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to step into the role of Chairperson of AWTE Ireland. It’s an exciting time as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, and I’m honoured to lead such an inspiring organisation into the future. A huge thank you to Ciara Foley and the previous committee for their incredible hard work and dedication – you’ve set a fantastic foundation for us to build on.”
A New Direction for AWTE Ireland
In 2026, AWTE Ireland will focus on creating a stronger regional presence by appointing committee members across the country, ensuring that women in travel from all areas feel represented and supported. The association is also encouraging more travel agents to join, recognising their vital role in the industry.
To make membership more accessible, AWTE Ireland has waived the sign-up fee, removing barriers and inviting more women to benefit from its empowering community. A new membership for women aged 30 and under is now in place for only €30/year also to encourage younger women within the industry to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of the AWTE, the committee would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact any committee member or email [email protected] or visit https://awte.ie/membership/
Events and Learning Opportunities AWTE Ireland is renowned for its vibrant calendar of events, including the International Women’s Day Lunch, End of Summer Party, and the legendary AWTE Christmas Lunch. In addition, members enjoy Lunchtime Learning Sessions which previously covered topics such as:
· Women’s Health with The Fabulous Pharmacist
· Public Speaking and Confidence Building
· Artificial Intelligence and its impact on travel
Next year’s program promises even more innovative sessions and wellness days, alongside networking opportunities designed to inspire and connect women across the travel industry.
Thank You to the outgoing committee
The new AWTE Committee would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing committee members for their passion, hard work, and dedication. Their commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in continuing the success of AWTE and creating a strong foundation for future growth.
