Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said has received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of West London (UWL).

The nomination for the award was made by Jane Middleton of The Authentic Travel Company, who has been a member of the Advantage Travel Partnership since 2019, and who herself was awarded with a Doctor of Letters from UWL last year.   

Jane said: “Julia did so much for the industry over the course of the pandemic by stepping outside of her comfort zone and becoming the voice of the industry, when we desperately needed to be heard. In doing so, she helped to significantly raise the profile of the industry with the media and government. This award completely epitomises her outstanding achievements.” 

In a tweet, the university described Julia as ‘a prominent spokesperson for the travel industry’.

It added: “We are honouring her for her invaluable contribution to the sector, particularly in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Professor Peter John CBE, Vice Chancellor of the University, added: “ It’s a fantastic achievement for Julia and fully deserved.  The result of many years of hard work and lobbying the Government through the pandemic.” 

Julia said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been awarded with 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.”