Outspoken advocate

“She is a firehouse in our industry.” That’s how the nomination for Paula Martini, owner of CoTravel, described the energy and determination that have made her one of the industry’s most outspoken advocates. Travel has been part of Martini’s life since childhood, thanks to her father’s long career with SAA. After building a successful career in corporate travel, she stepped away from the industry for seven years to raise her children before returning as a single mother. By then, the industry had changed dramatically. “I felt like I needed to restart and learn all over again. Coming from an era of ticket printers and handwritten MPDs, e-tickets were all new to me, as well as direct airline bookings with low- cost carriers,” she said. After restarting her career, she transformed a small agency into an award-winning business through Thompsons Travel before becoming a fully IATA-accredited agency, a Virtuoso Travel Professional and an unbranded Flight Centre Independent. “Through several associations, I now have access to a wealth of services and products, allowing me not only to look after my clients but to help other travel professionals navigate the business of travel. In travel, knowledge is power and I continue to keep myself educated on all things travel at all times,” she said. This year marks two decades since CoTravel was established. During that time, Martini has expanded her role, becoming a published author, national radio commentator and champion of independent travel advisers. “What began as a girl in love with the experience of far-off places became three decades in travel. It’s now also the work of helping others do the same, with more leisure travel than corporate these days, as I help my clients find purpose. My philosophy is a simple one: only humans can truly move humans.” Her proudest achievements? “I weathered COVID when much of the industry did not. I was nominated for the Virtuoso Sustainability Award (which remains one of the achievements I am quietest about and proudest of), I published my first book, Travel with Purpose: A Journey Beyond the Destination, and I became a trusted travel voice on the radio across several stations, reaching listeners far beyond my own client base.” Yet she believes her biggest contribution has been supporting fellow travel professionals. “Outbound travel in this country runs on these quiet, capable individuals. Giving them recognition and a way to support one another is the contribution I care about most.”