Partnership builder

“Some people hold a title. Others hold an industry together. Linda is the latter.” It’s ironic that Linda Scott-Hayward, Head of Commercial at Travelstart, never expected a career in travel. “I had wanted to be an extremely famous sports commentator and I briefly worked for the Cricket and Rugby World Cups in the UK. From there, I returned to South Africa and accepted a role at Flight Centre. I thought it would simply be a chance to enjoy a few free flights and a good party or two before I moved back to sports. Instead, I discovered my purpose and have been in the industry for 26 years!” For the first half of her career, Scott-Hayward focused on developing people and leading teams across South Africa, the UK, Australia and the US. Today, she works with tourism boards, governments, airlines and industry stakeholders to build partnerships that encourage travel and strengthen destinations. Despite joking that ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange is certainly one for the dinner party stories, Scott-Hayward says the milestones she values most are those that have created lasting impact. “One defining moment came during the COVID- 19 pandemic. As traditional travel revenue disappeared almost overnight, we developed new partnership models that helped sustain our business while supporting destinations as they rebuilt their tourism industries.” She also lists representing South Africa on international platforms as a tremendous honour. “Every opportunity to showcase our country’s innovation and collaborative spirit helps strengthen South Africa’s position within the global tourism industry. South Africans are resilient and we are often one of the first markets that bounce back from whatever the world throws at us. “I love showing international organisations the value of the South African traveller and what we can contribute to a city or country. Alongside our incredible colleagues and partners, we then attempt to make travel more accessible, affordable and meaningful to drive passenger numbers,” she said. The most satisfying part of her job is seeing partnerships turn into real benefits for the tourism ecosystem and surrounding communities. “It is most rewarding when that contribution is in our own country because it truly changes livelihoods, creates jobs and generates opportunities.”