As far as powerful women in the travel industry go, it doesn’t get more inspiring than Mrs Beatrice Tollman. President and Founder of the family-run, award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Beatrice is also an important figure in the Tollman family who own The Travel Corporation and support hundreds of charities across the globe through their non-for-profit initiative, the TreadRight Foundation. With a passion for hospitality and philanthropy, she is now renowned within the travel and hospitality industry (and has the awards to prove it).
So, whether you’re looking to carve a career in travel or just looking for some #lifegoals inspiration, here’s Beatrice’s advice on growing a hugely successful business and balancing work and family…
Tell us a little about your journey growing The Travel Corporation business…
It’s been a remarkable journey shared with my husband, whose vision and insight has been the force behind TTC. We’ve worked together for over 66 years and I would have never imagined all those years ago that we’d build a business with so many remarkable brands.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
50 years ago, we built what became the famous Tollman Towers hotel In Johannesburg and then the whole creation of Red Carnation. When Dublin opens there will be 20 properties – each one winning awards in their own categories.
Image source:TreadRight
What were your biggest learnings when growing the business?
Being a young woman working in what was really – at that time – a man’s career, was a challenge. I learnt that to succeed, it’s not enough to have vision and passion, you have to combine it with perseverance and hard work.
How did it feel being inducted into the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame, earlier this year?
It was one of the proudest moments. I was thrilled to be joining my husband who had been inducted some years before.
What was your experience of raising a family and running a business at the same time?
I learnt that it was possible to do both. It wasn’t easy, but I managed it somehow with a bit of will and way!
Image source:TreadRight
Why do you think gender equality is so important in the workplace?
Because women bring so much value. They are extremely hardworking, loyal and never shirk a journey.
What advice would you give to any women looking to break into the travel industry?
My advice would be to find an area within this industry that you really love and can bring value to… it makes it all so much easier if you have that.
Who are the women who have inspired you along the way?
My mother and mother-in-law.
The Travel Corporation is pleased to open up its Destination Management Companies portfolio to the rest of the travel industry to support others during the turbulent time of the pandemic. The new website contains marketing assets and training to showcase TTC’s range of experiences, along with tools that outline the extent of our offering, and the financial strength that supports it.
