‘Queen of Travel’ retires

06 Mar 2018

THE travel industry
gathered at a glittering
function on February 20,
at the beautiful Shepstone
Gardens in Johannesburg,
to wish the much-loved ceo
of Thompsons Travel, Mary
Shilleto, au revoir on her
retirement. Tributes from
industry colleagues poured into
the TNW offices.
“What a privilege to work
beside the Queen of Travel
for 14 years,” said Rudolph
Theunissen, financial manager
of Thompsons Travel. “I could
not have asked for a more
passionate mentor. She will
be sorely missed but we will
definitely share a few cheeky
glasses of wine in the future.”
Senior Thompsons Travel
consultant, Iqram Mohammed,
said simply that Mary had
“just the right amount of
awesomeness”.
“Mary has been a highly
respected figure in the travel
industry ever since I can
remember but I have had the
privilege of working closer with
her since the formation of the
XL Travel Group. She is a great
leader and communicator
and has the respect of all
her employees, resulting in
exceptional service to the
customers,” said Marco
Ciocchetti, ceo of XL Travel.
Joanne Visagie, sales
and marketing director of
Beachcomber, described
Mary as having a heart of
gold, being a bundle of
adventure and energy and
a committed professional,
industry icon and friend.
“The tiniest in body, yet
the biggest in person, Mary
has paved the way for young
women in the travel industry
and I have no doubt that her
legacy will live on beyond us
all,” said Robyn Christie of
Just Saying.
“Thank you for your love
and support over the years!
I am your cheerleader – you
have integrity, you are warm,
kind and super smart,” said
regional gm Southern Africa
and Latin America for Air
Mauritius, Carla da Silva.
Marco Tomasicchio, director
of XL International Travels,
said he couldn’t remember a
time when Mary had not been
part of his or his family’s life.
“A lady of immense stature,
ethics and grace. You will
leave an immense void in this
industry.”
“Mary is a true ‘travel
survivor’ and it has only
been a pleasure knowing and
working with her,” said Brenda
Mitchell, head of sales at
World Leisure Holidays.