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

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

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

Melissa Adamson is an Eco-Tourism student who has been actively involved in YTN virtual events, the Trusted Advisor Program and has performed the role of Committee Observer. She is passionate about the tourism industry and her creativity can be an asset, for instance through her ideas, photography and filmmaking skills.

Melissa Adamson

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

Trusted Advisor Program Coordinator

Isobel is a new member to the Young Tourism Network this year. She currently works as a Marketing Coordinator in Bendigo and will complete a Bachelor of Business majoring in Event Management and Marketing in a few weeks. She is excited to immerse herself in the community and connect with the tourism industry.

Isobel Caughey

Events Social & Famils

Jordyn Tas, from the Wine Region, Margaret River Western Australia. Currently a team leader at Hotel Chadstone and banquets attendant at Pullman and Mercure Albert Park. Seven years within the hospitality and tourism industries across Australia. Currently studying Bachelor's of Hotel and Resort Management, International Practice.

Jordyn Tas

Industry Partnership Coordinator

Olivia recently completed her Master's degree in Sustainable Tourism Management at Monash, during which she conducted research on smart destination development, interned and worked with YTN and VTIC, respectively, and led collaboration initiatives for young tourism professionals across Victoria. Olivia’s background includes strategic communications in agency, nonprofit and public organisations.

Olivia Salsbery

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

Events Social & Famils

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

Professional Development Events

Madeleine actively supports businesses throughout regional Australia in her current role as Tourism Executive with Caravan Industry Association of Australia. She holds a Master of Tourism and a Bachelor of Business and Commerce complemented with a background in hotels and hospitality including brands such as Crown Resort and Quest Apartments.

Madeleine Sawyer

Professional Development Events

Tegan is a communications and marketing professional with established experience in stakeholder and media management, campaign strategy and digital marketing. Passionate about tourism, Tegan has spent the last six years working in the industry, for organisations such as Sovereign Hill and The Intrepid Group.

Tegan Benfield

Communications Coordinator

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

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

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'