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

Headshots - Michelle (1)
Michelle developed an early interest in tourism, which led to a Bachelor Honours’ degree in Tourism and Business from the University of Westminster in London. Recipient of academic awards, she has a wealth of knowledge and rich travel background.

Michelle Dall’ava

Chair
Headshots - Amy
With over ten years industry experience covering customer service, hotels, tourism and events roles, Amy has developed a real passion for providing exceptional visitor experiences.

Amy Gardner

Deputy Chair
MelbourneConventionBureau_Caroline Vezeau (1)
Hailing from Toronto, Caroline’s passion for travel led her to pursue her Masters in Sustainable Tourism. She works with international event planners to deliver successful conferences in Melbourne.

Caroline Vezeau

Events Team Leader
Victor Chan Headshot
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

Events Coordinator
Hugh YTN
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

Industry Partnerships Coordinator
Nat YTN
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

Education Partnership Coordinator
Headshots - Dani
Dani has worked as a travel journalist and in marketing roles for the tourism industry where she learned the importance of the visitor journey. Her strong passion for travel brought her to Melbourne to pursue a degree in Sustainable Tourism where she found her true calling.

Daniela Ruiz

Website & Content Coordinator
Ash YTN

Ashleigh Romanjuk

Events Coordinator
Lauren YTN

LAUREN COWIE

Events Coordinator
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Originally from India, my passion for travel brought me to Melbourne to pursue a degree in Sustainable Tourism. I love creating positive experiences for visitors to Melbourne and showing them why it is one of the most liveable cities in the world!

Mohana Ananthanarayan

Communications Coordinator - General
Headshots - Kate
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 Cashmore
Lakshmi is skilled in sales, retail, the hospitality industry, events management and market research. She has won various tourism awards, is a strong business development professional and is currently studying her Masters of Marketing (PR and Events).

LAKSHMI CASHMORE

Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
Headshots - James
James has been in the tourism industry for the last 10 year which all started at Eureka Skydeck in 2008 whilst completing a Bachelor degree of Business Tourism Management at Victoria University.

James Tranter

Communications Coordinator - Events
Headshots - Grace
After living in Italy on a working holiday visa, Grace shifted industries from politics to her newfound love, tourism. She is passionate about working with tourism operators to help them develop their business sustainably, and ensure a quality experience for all visitors.

Grace Maynard

Membership Coordinator
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Coming soon! Please check out here for more information.

Events Intern

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Coming soon! Please check out here for more information.

Social Media Intern

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Desmond has years of experience as a tourist, tour guide, hostel manager and event host. Fluent in French and Spanish, you might see Desmond showing visitors around town, at a live music show and at the MCG on the weekend.

Desmond John

Committee Observer

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'

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