Julia Lo Bue-Said, posing as one of UWL's honorary graduates
Julia Lo Bue-Said, posing as one of UWL's honorary graduates

Champion of the UK travel sector Julia Lo Bue-Said receives honorary Doctor of Letters from UWL

Intro

CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership Julia Lo Bue-Said has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of West London in recognition of her support of the travel sector, particularly during the pandemic.

Main body

The global travel industry was one of the most high-profile business casualties of Covid 19, with ever-evolving rules and restrictions on borders and of course travel bans topping the news headlines during 2020 and 2021. This proved to be a pivotal moment too for Julia, who saw herself building on her role as a regular spokesperson in the travel industry press to become a frequent fixture on national TV, supporting the interests of the sector.   

Julia, who has enjoyed a career of over 25 years in the travel industry, became a champion for independent travel businesses and her role in supporting and spearheading the sector’s recovery saw her named an ‘Industry Influencer’ on the Business Travel News Europe in 2021.  

Commenting on her award, Julia said:

I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious lifetime award.  It will act as a constant reminder of the importance of raising the profile of our industry to those in education.  

The industry has so much to offer graduates and everyone looking to work in travel.  It has afforded me so many opportunities and I will always be indebted to my colleagues and associates across the industry who have always inspired and supported me during my career. 

Being part of a global community, travel is a great catalyst for growth in local economies, not only providing good-quality jobs, but opportunities for innovation and business creation, as well as funds for conservation- and ultimately - has a tremendous social impact. Travel is also a force for good. When we power more travel, we unleash more opportunities to strengthen connections, broaden horizons and bridge divides.” 

Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University, added:

We are delighted to bestow this honour on Julia today.  She is a prominent spokesperson for the travel industry and was a champion for independent travel businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.  Her vision and passion for the sector has injected vigour and energy into it and she is an inspiration to students looking to become future leaders in the travel and tourism industry."

Related news