About Us

Who is the 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

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 - Maddy
Dr Madelene McWha joined William Angliss Institute as a Tourism Lecturer in the Faculty of Higher Education in January 2016. Prior to this position, she worked for La Trobe University in the Business School as an academic teaching in tourism, hospitality and events.

Madelene McWha

Deputy chair
Headshots - Leah
Leah is relatively new to the tourism industry, only working in the industry for 2 years, but developed a strong passion for tourism while she was studying and living in the US and travelling around the globe.

Leah Kmiec

Marketing Coordinator
Headshots - Dani

Daniela Ruiz

Industry Partnerships Coordinator
Headshots - Victor
Victor has entered the tourism industry after his postgraduate studies in Accounting and Finance. He has a strong passion for tourism and the visitor economy.

Victor Chan

Events Team Leader
Headshots - Bennett
After travelling, studying and living overseas, Bennett developed a keen interest in tourism as a key driver of the global economy. In his current role with City of Melbourne in tourism partnerships Bennett has a strong understanding of key industry players, trends and opportunities.

Bennett Pascoe

Communications Coordinator
Headshots - Winnie
Winnie just graduated university in Bachelor of Business (International Tourism Management). Winnie is currently working for the Australian Tourism Industry Council, which involves supporting all states in Australia with the accreditation and Star Ratings program.

Winnie Lee

Events coordinator
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
Nic_3
For the past 13 years, Nic has lived and breathed the travel and tourism industry. Stemming from the UK, Nic moved to Melbourne three years ago and recently joined Visit Victoria in the international marketing team delivering his passion for Victoria to the UK and Europe markets.

Nicholas Cooper

Events 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

University and TAFE Partnership Coordinator
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 tourism experience for all visitors.

Grace Maynard

Membership coordinator
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 Crook

Website and content 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'

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