Julia Kemp, Avis Budget Group’s director of sales & partnerships – international, has been named the 2019 recipient of the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) Odyssey Award.

The award was presented to Kemp by Chris Mottershead, president of the membership organization for professionals employed in the travel and tourism industry, at the 63rd ITT President’s Dinner, which was held at the Savoy Hotel in London. 

The Odyssey Award is given to an individual in recognition of his or her contribution to the travel and tourism industry.

“Julia has been one of the travel industry’s leading figures for over two decades,” said Steven Freudmann, chairman of ITT. “It is in recognition of her significant contribution both to the industry as a whole, and to ITT, that the board of ITT were unanimous that Julia Kemp should be the recipient of the 2019 Odyssey Award.”

In 1998, Kemp joined Avis as head of leisure, with a brief to develop the travel and leisure sector within the group. Twenty years and several promotions later, she manages and leads teams across a territory covering Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. 

“Julia is very deserving of the ITT Odyssey Award and we couldn’t be prouder of her,” said Keith Rankin, president of International, Avis Budget Group. “Her many highlights include forging successful customer relationships whilst consistently delivering revenue growth in all channels. Julia has excelled in her career, not just at Avis Budget Group but also in the wider industry.”

“I’m humbled but delighted and very proud to be awarded the ITT Odyssey Award,” said Kemp. “I feel privileged to work in the travel industry with such amazing and inspiring colleagues, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Avis Budget Group, which have allowed me to fully develop my career.”