Three ABTA Executives Make 2026 Women Powerlist
Alexandra
Channel capacity, event logistics and member commercial programs underpin ABTA’s influence
Ferry schedules, trade-show capacity and the distribution of travel insurance products all feed into ABTA’s commercial operations, which support member companies’ logistics for seasonal demand peaks and regulatory compliance. The association’s event calendar and partner network help coordinate supplier access, marketing toolkits and crisis-management briefings that directly affect the operational planning of tour operators, hoteliers and coastal activity providers.
Who was named to the 2026 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist
Three senior executives from ABTA were included in the 2026 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist announced at the beginning of March. The individuals named are:
- Claire Biddle — Commercial Director, ABTA
- Shelly Beresford — Head of Brand and Marketing (shared role), ABTA
- Laura Stephen — Head of Brand and Marketing (shared role), ABTA
The recognition coincided with the run-up to International Women’s Day and highlights female leadership across trade associations within the hospitality and travel sectors.
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Roles and operational remit
Claire Biddle, as Commercial Director, leads ABTA’s Commercial Department, the division responsible for income generation through multiple streams and for delivering value to members via supplier partnerships and events. Key operational areas under her remit include:
- Management of the ABTA Partner scheme to streamline supplier access for members;
- Delivery and commercial oversight of the ABTA events programme, which affects conference logistics and attendee capacity planning;
- Oversight of the association’s travel insurance product, including policy distribution and member-facing guidance on claims and regulatory compliance.
In their shared capacity, Shelly Beresford and Laura Stephen run the brand and marketing function, directing campaigns designed to reassure consumers and to showcase ABTA membership benefits. Their responsibilities include creating promotional toolkits for members, presenting at trade marketing events and shaping consumer-facing messaging that impacts booking behaviour across holiday, coastal and urban destinations.
At a glance: ABTA executives on the Powerlist
| Executive | Title | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Claire Biddle | Commercial Director | Partner schemes, events, travel insurance |
| Shelly Beresford | Head of Brand and Marketing | Consumer campaigns, member toolkits |
| Laura Stephen | Head of Brand and Marketing | Brand strategy, event presentations |
Why this recognition matters for the travel and hospitality supply chain
Inclusion in a sector-wide Powerlist signals influence over policy, marketing narratives and operational best practice. For ABTA, senior leaders who shape commercial strategy and brand messaging can directly affect:
- How regulatory changes — such as entry/exit systems and visitor levies — are communicated to members;
- Member preparedness for seasonal logistics, including staffing, transport coordination and supplier contracts;
- Consumer confidence in booking travel products, which feeds through to demand for accommodations, excursions and coastal activities.
These linkages are especially relevant for destinations reliant on synchronized transport and hospitality services: ports, marinas and coastal resorts often coordinate with tour operators and insurers whose guidance is shaped by trade associations.
Historical context: women’s leadership in trade associations
Women’s visibility in trade association leadership has increased steadily over the last two decades, driven by deliberate diversity programmes and a wider recognition that varied leadership improves stakeholder engagement. Trade bodies within tourism and hospitality have shifted from advisory-only roles to active participation in policy development and commercial support, expanding the responsibilities of senior executives into areas such as crisis management, digital transformation and sustainability.
The trend has parallels across other sectors where associations now run certification schemes, manage large-scale events and broker commercial partnerships — roles that require strong cross-functional coordination between marketing, legal compliance and supplier networks. Recognition lists and awards often reflect this evolution, spotlighting executives who combine advocacy with operational delivery.
Forecast: implications for international tourism and coastal destinations
Looking ahead, the elevation of ABTA leaders on high-profile lists is likely to reinforce the association’s voice in debates over regulatory controls, visitor levies and digital travel facilitation. For international tourism, several cautious forecasts emerge:
- Stronger advocacy for harmonized entry systems could ease logistic friction at ports and airports, aiding inbound arrival flows to popular coastal and island destinations;
- Commercial programmes that prioritize supplier resilience and consumer confidence may accelerate demand recovery after disruptions, benefitting marinas, tour operators and beachside businesses;
- Heightened focus on sustainable travel messaging from brands and associations could shift traveler preferences toward destinations that invest in clearwater protection, responsible fishing tourism and managed yachting activities.
These outcomes depend on sustained collaboration between trade associations, national regulators and private-sector operators such as ferry companies, airport authorities and coastal service providers.
What this means for marketing and operations
Marketing teams at operators and marinas should monitor ABTA guidance and campaigns because association-led toolkits and consumer messaging influence booking windows and demand patterns. Operations teams should note that event programming and education delivered by ABTA can provide practical templates for crisis management and accessibility planning.
Key takeaways and closing summary
The appointment of Claire Biddle, Shelly Beresford and Laura Stephen to the 2026 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist highlights ABTA’s central role in shaping commercial programmes, events and consumer-facing marketing across the travel industry. Their leadership affects how members manage supplier access, insurance products and seasonal logistics — all of which have downstream impacts on destinations, marinas and coastal activities. Historically, rising female leadership in trade associations has coincided with broader institutional shifts toward diversified governance and more integrated policy advocacy. Going forward, the influence of these executives is likely to play a part in smoother transport operations, clearer compliance guidance and stronger consumer confidence, which collectively support a resilient tourism ecosystem.
GetBoat.com is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news. The recognition of these ABTA executives matters to a wide range of stakeholders — from yacht charter operators and beach activity coordinators to marina managers and tour captains — because it shapes messaging and policy that affect destinations, superyacht services, yacht sale markets, boating activities, yachting infrastructure and marinas. Whether it’s clearwater conservation, gulf and ocean route planning, lake excursion operators or coastal fishing experiences, those tracking trends in travel, charter and boating will find these leadership developments relevant.
