Paul Carter has recently been appointed as the chair of the Safer Tourism Foundation, marking a significant leadership change aimed at enhancing the charity’s impact on travel safety.
Under his leadership, the organisation plans to expand its reach and improve its safety campaigns, supported by new branding and a user-friendly website.
Leadership Transition and New Initiatives
The Safer Tourism Foundation has appointed Paul Carter, a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, as its new chairperson. His appointment marks a strategic move for the organisation, which is keen to expand its influence in promoting safety within the travel sector. Carter succeeds Ian Ailles and has expressed enthusiasm about leading initiatives that draw on travel incident data to enhance consumer safety campaigns.
Carter’s background includes an extensive career in hospitality and travel, with executive roles at Hotelplan UK and Cendant. He is expected to leverage his vast experience to forge new partnerships and strengthen the foundation’s commitment to safety standards. His appointment coincides with the introduction of new branding and a revamped website for the charity, aimed at enhancing its visibility and impact.
The Vision for Safer Tourism
The foundation’s new branding features a bold logo and an interactive website designed to foster better engagement with its partners and the public. This visual refresh aligns with the foundation’s mission to champion safety across various aspects of travel, from transportation and accommodation to recreational activities.
Paul Carter has underscored the importance of the foundation’s partnerships with travel operators like Hotelplan UK and Audley Travel in achieving their mission. These collaborations are instrumental in promoting the Safer Tourism Pledge, a commitment to uphold safety management standards that the foundation deems essential for protecting travellers.
Expanding Influence and Partnerships
Under Carter’s leadership, the Safer Tourism Foundation aims to expand its network of partners by inviting more travel operators to join the Safer Tourism Pledge. Such partnerships are critical as they enhance the foundation’s ability to collect valuable data on travel incidents, which informs their safety initiatives.
The foundation envisions a collaborative effort where industry stakeholders actively contribute to a safer tourism environment. By fostering cooperation, the foundation seeks to elevate the standards of safety and risk management within the sector, ensuring longevity and sustainability of their initiatives.
Personal Commitment and Professional Background
Paul Carter, who has been a trustee at the foundation, brings over three decades of industry experience. His professional journey began with Crystal Holidays and saw him take on senior roles in marketing and product development. His proven track record in business growth and strategic partnerships is expected to benefit the foundation significantly.
Beyond corporate responsibilities, Carter also manages an advisory practice and a retreat business. His holistic understanding of travel and hospitality positions him well to steer the foundation towards fulfilling its objectives while maintaining a personal touch in its strategies and engagements.
Message from the Chief Executive
Kathy Atkinson, the Chief Executive of the Safer Tourism Foundation, has expressed confidence in Carter’s leadership. She emphasised the importance of having a robust board to address the complex challenges the charity faces. Atkinson acknowledged Ian Ailles’ contributions and was encouraged by his continued involvement as a trustee.
The foundation’s renewed focus on safety in tourism is complemented by its strategic planning and effective governance, both of which are crucial for the charity’s mission. The executive team remains committed to utilizing their independence to drive positive change in the travel industry.
Legacy and Future Goals
Founded as a proactive response to a tragic accident, the charity continues to honour the memory of Bobby and Christi Shepherd. This legacy underpins the foundation’s work in raising awareness about risks associated with travel, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, which first prompted its establishment.
In moving forward, the Safer Tourism Foundation is set to broaden its scope, addressing a wide range of safety concerns, including transport, allergies, and adventure activities. This broader remit reflects the evolving landscape of travel safety, aiming to provide comprehensive support and guidance for travellers worldwide.
Reaching Out to the Community
The foundation encourages its partners to prominently display their commitment to the Safer Tourism Pledge. This initiative not only boosts public awareness but also builds trust among consumers, reassuring them of the safety measures in place.
The Safer Tourism Foundation, with Paul Carter at the helm, is poised to make substantial advancements in travel safety.
Through strategic partnerships and a clear vision, the foundation aims to address current and emerging safety challenges in the tourism sector.
