About Us – Young Tourism Network

Who are we?

The Young Tourism Network (YTN) is an engaged not-for-profit networking group for the Victorian tourism, travel,
hospitality and events industry. We’re led by a passionate team of volunteers and we facilitate connections and collaboration for our members and between students and industry professionals.

YTN was established in October 2005 and formally launched to the industry in May 2006. The network, through both social and professional development events and industry alliances, aims to enhance and foster the career development and professional excellence of the people within the Victorian tourism industry.

Mission and core values

Our mission is to foster the career development and professional excellence of students and young professionals to grow and strengthen the Victorian tourism industry.

Our core values of contribution, collaboration, connection, learning and growth are reflected in all activities we run.

The Young Tourism Network exists to:

Empower students, new entrants and experienced professionals to connect, learn and grow, ultimately leading to increased personal and professional development and career enhancement.
Encourage collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the education sector and operators in the industry.

YTN is run by a committee of volunteers who all work and/or study within tourism-related fields – (We’re just like you!). And of course, YTN would not exist without the support from the industry and especially the support from our amazing Partners!

Committee

Hailing from Toronto, Caroline’s passion for travel led her to pursue her Masters in International Sustainable Tourism Management aand has made Melbourne her second home. She works with international event planners to deliver successful conferences in Melbourne.

Caroline Vezeau

Deputy Chair

Hugh is passionate about improving the tourism industry in regional Australia through his work in research for the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. He also has experience in tour management in both Europe and Australia.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

Chair

Ashley currently works at Puffing Billy Railway as their Marketing & Tourism Officer. Her hobbies include running, hiking, kayaking and taking her 4xwheel drive out to camp all around Victoria. As a creative thinker, she is looking forward to growing the Young Tourism Network through their social platforms.

Ashley Woodrow

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

Christie has several years’ experience working in the tourism industry, from working for youth operator Topdeck in Europe, walking tours in Melbourne and now GAdventures at their Melbourne base. She has recently completed her Masters of International Sustainable Tourism Management and is incredibly passionate about sustainable tourism.

Christie Sutherland

Events Social & Famils

Originally from France, Maureen's taste for adventure prompted her to embark on an open-ended Australian/Asian trip in 2013. Her journey made her realise the significant impacts of tourism on both the travelers and local communities. Maureen is now a confident tourism professional with experience ensuring a quality experience for all.

Maureen Pillon

Events Social & Famils

Adrian has worked in the Leisure and Tourism sector for a number of years. Having led young teams for a number of years, he thrives off developing his team members. He would like to make more of an impact and assist in providing opportunities to something he is passionate about. He likes to cook, stay active and travel.

Adrian Paino

Industry Partnership Coordinator

Hayley has recently completed studying a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management with William Angliss Institute. She now shares her time between Werribee Open Range Zoo and Wyndham City Council in her Visitor Services roles. As a proud Melburnian she enjoys providing exceptional experiences to inbound visitors.

Hayley Fraser

Membership Coordinator

Victor has a strong passion for tourism and the visitor economy. In his current tourism partnership role with Queen Victoria Market, Victor has a strong understanding of key industry players, current trends and marketing opportunities.

Victor Chan

Communications Coordinator

Natalie is passionate about the tourism industry, especially developing and growing tourism in Melbourne. With over five years’ experience in customer engagement, event management and marketing, Natalie has developed a true passion for offering lifelong memories for visitors

Natalie Babic

Events PD Series

Ashleigh Romanjuk

Events PD Series

Lauren Cowie

Newsletter and General Communications

Kate is passionate about the tourism industry, with a background in delivering tourism marketing and industry development activities with local government and regional tourism boards in regional Victoria and Melbourne.

Kate Rickwood

Secretary & Treasurer

Lakshmi is passionate about marketing and is currently undertaking her Masters of Marketing. She is currently working at the State Library Victoria in Business Development and Marketing and is skilled in sales, retail, the hospitality industry, events management and market research.

Lakshmi Cashmore

Content & Website Coordinator

Amy completed a Bachelor of Business: Tourism and Hospitality Management in 2010, and has enjoyed an adventurous lifestyle working and travelling both interstate and overseas since then. She has a passion for the Melbourne tourism industry and in particular a love of Melbourne’s west. Her hobbies include art, music, home renovating and kitten fostering.

Amy Gardner

Uni & TAFE Partnership Coordinator

Awards

Victorian Tourism Awards

In 2017, YTN won the RACV Victorian Tourism Award for 'Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/s'

Victorian Tourism Awards

In 2010, YTN won the RACV Victorian Tourism Award for 'Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/s'