Karryon has launched the Next Gen Network, an initiative designed to connect, empower, and learn from the next wave of Australian travel professionals. The inaugural group brings together a diverse mix of emerging leaders across cruise, tourism, airline, and retail to ensure the industry’s future remains bright, collaborative, and forward-thinking.
For Karryon General Manager Dani Tuffield, it’s about building bridges between generations. “As someone who’s been in the travel industry for a long time, I’m incredibly passionate about our community. Those of us who’ve been around a while know just how lucky we are. This industry is special and there’s really nothing else like it.
“I truly believe it’s my generation’s responsibility to hand over the reins in the best possible way. That means protecting the parts we’ve always cherished and shared, the collaboration, the friendships, the values, plus listening to what is needed for the next generation to thrive.”
“So this is step one: starting with the Next Gen Network — a space to listen, learn and understand from a truly amazing group of young legends in our industry. I can’t wait to get started.”
Karryon has started the initiative in Sydney, where its head office is based, to allow valuable face-to-face time to refine what the network needs. Once established, the plan is to expand across the country, building a connected community of young leaders in every state.
The inaugural group includes six members representing some of the most dynamic young talent in the sector.
Jessica Kilbride-Parris, Qantas Airways Limited, Trade Marketing Manager
As Trade Marketing Manager at Qantas, Jessica combines her love of travel with a drive to create engaging work spanning campaign strategy, partnerships, engagement, and event marketing. Travel has shaped her life in many positive ways, inspiring her to create opportunities for others to share those experiences.
Jessica believes that travel plays a vital role in bringing people together, fostering personal growth, and enriching lives. She brings energy, curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose to her work, always caring deeply about the industry, its people, and the impact they make together.
“This initiative creates a wonderful forum for the next generation who work in different areas of the industry. It provides a platform for us to come together, collaborate, and help shape a future that reflects all of us, grounded in shared values, diverse perspectives, and driven by connection, curiosity, and community.”
Sasha McAlister, Adventure World, Marketing Manager
Sasha McAlister mixes storytelling, strategy, and a bit of marketing magic to shape Adventure World’s campaigns and partnerships as Marketing Manager. Previously, she spent almost four years at Contiki as Content Marketing Specialist, bringing to life bold campaigns like Quit for Contiki and Live the Legend.
Sasha began her career in hotel marketing with time at both TFE Hotels and IHG, building a strong foundation in hospitality before leaning fully into travel with her career at TTC. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing, alongside an Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism.
“Creativity, courage, and curiosity should drive the travel industry – and I want to help the next generation bring all three to the table. Not just to sit, but to share, help set the agenda, and shape what comes next together. With the right guidance and opportunities, sparks like these can become flaming careers.”
Simran Mediratta, GTI Tourism, Account Director
With over nine years of experience in tourism marketing and event management, Simran brings a wealth of expertise in destination development, stakeholder engagement, and travel trade relations across Australia and New Zealand.
Currently an Account Director at GTI Tourism, she leads marketing and trade initiatives for Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and LATAM Airlines, driving brand awareness and conversion through strategic campaigns, roadshows, and partnerships. She has also worked with destinations such as the San Diego Tourism Authority, Visit West Hollywood, and Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
Known for her creativity and passion for tourism storytelling, Simran has successfully managed more than 40 large-scale trade and consumer events, developing innovative concepts and delivering strong ROI for clients.
“Travel is built on connection, between people, cultures, and ideas. Through this network, I want to help strengthen those connections across our industry by sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and keeping the spark of curiosity alive in everything we do.”
Caitlyn Paris, Cruise HQ, Marketing Manager
Caitlyn Paris has nearly a decade of experience and a passion for helping the industry grow. As Marketing Manager at CruiseHQ, part of Flight Centre Travel Group, she played a key role in launching the brand and establishing it as a leading cruise wholesaler. With a strong background in cruise, B2B marketing, and brand strategy, Caitlyn brings insight and creativity to her role, always focused on inspiring travel professionals.
“Being part of this committee is such an exciting opportunity to celebrate the energy of the travel industry while helping young professionals connect, collaborate, and form a community that encourages growth, learning, and new opportunities for the next generation.
“This initiative creates a wonderful forum for the next generation who work in different areas of the industry. It provides a platform for us to come together, collaborate, and help shape a future that reflects all of us, grounded in shared values, diverse perspectives, and driven by connection, curiosity, and community.”
Mimi Romijn, Wentworth Travel, Travel Designer
“Oh, the places you’ll go…” wasn’t just a line from Dr. Seuss for Mimi, it was a family mantra. Mimi’s journey with travel began long before she entered the industry. She often jokes she was a luxury travel advisor before she was a luxury travel advisor, what started as casual coffee catch-ups about travel became her career. For her, passion became profession.
Mimi views an industry often dismissed as a casualty of technological advancement instead as one in the midst of reinvention. Evolving from a gatekeeper of travel to a curator of high-touch experiences that even digital natives seek, she believes professional guidance gives travellers back their weekends, their evenings, and their peace of mind. AI might be able to plan, but it can’t predict emotion, instinct, or connection, and that’s where human expertise remains irreplaceable. Behind every postcard-perfect moment lie logistics, foresight, and intuition, and Mimi thrives in connecting people to places that inspire wonder.
“Being part of the Next Gen Network is an opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute to an industry I love.
“Travel is about connection, curiosity, and care, and I want to help keep those values at the heart of what we do. For me, it’s about continuing to help travellers find those ungooglable moments, the kind that leave you speechless, and then turn you into a storyteller.”
Tahlia Shaw, Norwegian Cruise Line, Partnership Relations Team Leader – Australia & New Zealand
With almost 15 years in travel, Tahlia Shaw brings experience from onboard entertainment to trade partnerships. She began as a dancer onboard Royal Caribbean ships, moved shoreside as a Flight Centre consultant, and rose through sales and support roles at Norwegian Cruise Line to lead the Partnership Relations team across Australia and New Zealand.
“I’m so excited to bring my experience and perspective to this initiative, helping to build connections and foster collaboration, while ensuring young voices are heard and our industry’s culture thrives.”
The Next Gen Network will hold its first in-person meeting this week in Sydney, marking the start of a series of meetings, workshops, and events.
To share feedback, get involved, or nominate a young leader for future chapters, email Dani Tuffield at dani@karryon.com.au.
