Sarah Anderson

GTI Tourism’s founder and managing director Sarah Anderson has been announced as a NSW finalist in the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards, in recognition of her company’s contribution to the tourism industry and conservation efforts. Sarah is among six finalists in the ‘marie claire Young Business Women’s Award’ category.

The announcement follows three new client wins for GTI Tourism in recent months including Lord Howe Island Tourism Association, Starwood Hotels and Wild Bush Luxury, and coincides with the launch of a new website for the company.

The marie claire Young Business Women’s Award is a specialist category in the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. The awards commend the unique achievements of incredible women in business across Australia, who inspire people through their leadership and courage.

Sarah Anderson says it’s a privilege to be recognised among such an impressive group of business leaders.

“The Telstra Business Women’s Awards are a great showcase of women who have achieved a level of success and are passionate about their work,” Sarah said.

“I’m fortunate to have built a business in the tourism industry, an industry which has great capacity to positively impact people’s lives around the world and preserve the natural environment.

“GTI Tourism has enabled me to encourage sustainability within tourism businesses and I hope that by being recognised in the Telstra Business Awards I can spread this message further.

“I’m also delighted that Genevieve Nelson from the Kokoda Track Foundation has been announced as a finalist as she works tirelessly to support the local communities within Papua New Guinea.”

Sarah has been recognised for the success of her tourism marketing and PR agency GTI Tourism which she established in 2006 and now represents 12 clients including the national tourist offices of Papua New Guinea, Peru and Vanuatu.

Sarah’s passion for conservation and sustainable tourism also led to GTI Tourism managing The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation, and representing Wild Bush Luxury and UNESCO World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island.

Other clients include Onyx Hospitality, Reed Travel Exhibitions (AIME), Starwood Hotels, Tourism Australia, Tourism Malaysia, and YTL Hotels.

Sarah’s involvement in the tourism industry spans 15 years working in marketing and PR agencies and also for tour and resort operators.

As an environmentalist, Sarah’s dedicated participation in the industry and in particular, her passionate vision for implementing and maintaining sustainable tourism practices in Australia, have been recognised in the 2012 marie claire Young Business Women’s Awards.

The NSW category winners for the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards will be announced at a Gala Luncheon in Sydney on Tuesday 25 September. National category winners and the 2012 Telstra Business Woman of the Year will be revealed at the National Presentation Gala Dinner in Sydney on Wednesday 21 November.