A number of travel industry professionals have joined forces to launch Mental Health In Travel Awareness Week. Taking place September 20-24, activities include a series of group chats and workshops open to anyone in the travel industry.
The initiative was launched by Riaan van Schoor, chief executive of Agentivity, Andy Cairns, co-founder of RAVL, and Daniel Hayward, director of travel operations at Total Management Group, in response to the mental health challenges facing many in the industry as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We are here to talk, and get people to talk to each other – get involved in any way you can," says the group. "You have a lot on your mind with the current state of our industry, all the extra rules and, for some, also continued worries about their job. It can take its toll so tie a 'ribbon for travel' to remind yourself to check in on the mental state of those around you, and don't forget to check in with yourself as well."
The Mental Health in Travel Awareness Week comprises daily informal group Zoom calls hosted by Bex Deadman of Blue Cube Travel, Element's Gavin Smith, David Chappell of Midoco, travel industry stalwart Clare Murphy and Joao Taborda of Travel Technology & Solutions.
The daily group chats will be complemented by structured panel sessions including Moving out of the travel industry, Why and how to live in connection, Management is also human, and Expert tips for job hunting success.