FRANCE. Diageo Global Travel hosted the Women in Travel Retail Plus (WiTR+) networking event at the ongoing TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes.
The event, which took place at Diageo’s stand (Majestic Beach Village 1), provided a platform for the non-profit group to relaunch as Women in Travel Retail Plus.
As reported in May, the group added a ‘+’ to its name in recognition of the contribution made by industry colleagues and to represent a more inclusive approach, allowing non-member guests of other genders to join some of its meetings and events. The ‘+’ in its title also reflects its renewed energy and ambition.
WiTR+’s Committee, including its Chair Sarah Branquinho and Vice Chair Gerry Munday, attended the event alongside their host, Diageo Managing Director of Global Travel Andrew Cowan.
The event also featured a fundraiser for the Koma Karanth Foundation, WiTR+’s chosen charity for 2023. A small donation qualified guests to join a raffle draw, which gave them a chance to win prizes provided by Diageo Global Travel, Tumi and Victoria’s Secret – corporate members and supporters of WiTR+.
As reported, WiTR+ aims to raise at least €15,000 and build a minimum of three houses in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, an impoverished community in the Philippines.
The Koma Karanth Foundation’s mission is to build a KOMA community in the Philippine municipality, providing homes, education, old age community centres, medical support and support for single women as they strive for self-sufficiency.
Cowan said: “At Diageo, we believe not only in doing business the right way, but that inclusive and diverse cultures make for better business and a better world; we are proud to champion inclusion and diversity across our business, with our partners and communities, like WITR+.”
TFWA visitors are invited to Diageo’s exhibition space and bar at the Beach Village, Majestic Beach until 5 October. ✈
