Meet 
The team

Tran Trong Kien has been known as a pioneer in many adventure tours in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He ran local tours to fund his medical studies before establishing his own tour operator in 1994. Over the past 25 years of establishment and development, Kien has lead his business to become Thien Minh Group – one of the biggest travel and hospitality groups in the region. Kien is also current chairman of Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), Hue Tourism Advisory Board (HTAB), Vietnam Tour Guides Association (VTGA), trustee of Fulbright University Vietnam, Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), board member of Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD), member of the Private Sector Development Research Board (IV Board) of the Advisory Council for Administrative Procedure Reform and ex-member of Asia Commercial Bank (ACB), VP Bank and Vinaland.

Company founder and Director Sandra established SLC at the end of 2002 following a successful 20-year career at Austravel that spanned the UK, Germany and USA. Sandra dreamt of a results-focussed representation agency. Bringing her unrivalled contacts, exceptional sales and marketing knowledge and an unwavering passion for travel to the table, Sandra set about building a strong, sharp and enthusiastic team who could deliver just that.

Contact:
sandra@slcrepresentation.com

“One of the best trips of my life was to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2010. Cycling around Mai Chau was a highlight – I fell off into the rice field about 30 seconds later… I also spent a wonderful afternoon riding around some of the quieter temples of Angkor Wat – I didn’t fall off. From the age of about 8 I wanted to visit Rio de Janeiro – I finally made it in 2018 and it didn’t disappoint.”

Image: Sandra discovering Angkor Wat on horseback

Elen’s career spans 20 years working both in-house and in agency PR roles, managing broadcast and digital campaigns for clients, before moving into her current UK Market Manager role for Tourism Western Australia. Some of Elen’s earliest memories are of travel, but it wasn’t until Australia bowled her over at 22, that she had her first taste of working in travel and loved how impassioned and everchanging the industry is.

Contact:
elen@slcrepresentation.com

“Some of my earliest memories are of travel, fireflies dancing through the night on Greek Islands and walks through towering landscapes in Scotland. It wasn’t until Australia bowled me over at 22, that I had my first taste of working in travel. Getting to know the stories, structures and people behind these incredible experiences on offer magnified my fascination. I love how impassioned the industry is and that it is always evolving“

Image: Elen swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Matt joined SLC after 17 years with STA Travel in the UK. During his time with STA, he initially headed up the Contact Centre before moving into Learning & Development. In L&D he took on a variety of roles including overseeing a robust Induction programme for all new starters & developing a Management Development Programme as well as delivering training around Presentation Skills, Coaching & Development, Overcoming Barriers to the Sale, Rapport Building & Customer Rapport. Matt then moved into Wholesale & worked with a number of clients, principally in Europe, Asia, South America & the Middle East, to distribute STA Land & Air product globally.  Matt has come on board at SLC as Account Director & is really excited to focus on our client engagement & explore how we can further grow our service proposition. He is passionate about travel and is often to be found planning next year’s Summer holiday. Matt enjoys going to galleries, concerts and theatres in his spare time but his young kids are more likely to ensure he’s located in a playground at the weekend.

Contact:
matt@slcrepresentation.com

“I think people who work in travel can sometimes get jaded and lose sight of what drove many of us to join the industry in the first place. It’s really easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day of lead in process, flight capacity, price matching, etc, etc and forget that we work with a really exciting product that is a constant daily source of inspiration for millions of people around the world on any given day. Some of those experiences that have really stuck with me are: my 19-year-old self as a Camp Counsellor for Camp America in rural Pennsylvania, chatting to farmers at the local bar who would bring their pigs in with them…an overnight train from Jaipur to Delhi chatting to our fellow commuters and being awoken with chai tea as dawn broke over the craziness of Delhi’s Old Town…drinking Caipirinhas on Ipanema Beach watching the sunset behind Christ the Redeemer…The sights, sounds, tastes and colours are what inspires me every day to see more of the world.”

Image: Durdle Door, Dorset

Mala trained as a journalist and worked across TV & radio, before making the move into PR more than 10 years ago. Since then, her PR career has spanned the travel, lifestyle and charity sectors where she has developed and delivered PR strategies as well as run campaigns for brands such as SEA LIFE London and the London Eye. Most recently Mala worked at the APT Travel Group, where her passion for travel PR really took hold, and where she was introduced to SLC through her work on the Kimberley, Western Australia project.

“I picked the travel bug after I graduated, making sure to visit two to three places a year. But the destination that really blew me away was Iceland, a lover of sunshine the appeal of a holiday in Iceland didn’t warm my soul… how wrong I was! The landscape was mind-blowing and being a foodie, I wasn’t sure what to expect of Icelandic cuisine but their fresh bakeries and seafood were delicious. A place I can’t wait to revisit.“

Image: Mala in Iceland.

Maria joined SLC after graduating with a Tourism and Events Management degree from the University of Westminster. Throughout her years in the company, Maria has been involved in looking after a variety of projects and clients here for PATA and SLC’s Australian client portfolio. Today Maria manages the Onyx Hospitality Group account as well as Creative Travel and she also oversees a small team of employees focused on clients from Asia, Indonesia, Middle East and USA. Apart from travelling, Maria also has a passion for photography and in her spare time she likes to explore new places in and outside of London where she can practice her hobby.

Contact:
maria@slcrepresentation.com

“I grew up in a city in Bulgaria which was not popular for tourist visits from other countries. I was 14 years old when I first met people from another country who spoke a different language. My interest in learning new languages and different cultures around the world quickly grew and soon I became part of a Youth Development Centre where I was assisting with and taking part in various exchange programmes. I continued to develop my passion for travel through university in England with my Tourism and Events Management Degree and later work in the travel industry.”

Image: Maria in Sri Lanka

Emma graduated from the University of Surrey where she studied BsC Tourism Management and graduated with a First Class with Honours. Emma has worked in partnership marketing roles across the tourism, hospitality and restaurant industry, her experience spans both ATL and BTL campaigns across tourist boards, airlines, hotels, hospitality and restaurant brands.

Contact:
emma@slcrepresentation.com

“I’ve always loved hearing people’s travel stories and seeing how their faces light up with the excitement of reliving those memories, and that’s what inspires me to work in travel and bring different destinations to life, so i’m super excited to be part of the SLC representation team. I love travel, i’m that annoying friend sending everybody screenshots of flights when nobody asked but there is no better feeling than waking up in a new destination and discovering new sights, cultures, smells and tastes, and finding the best spot for sunset! Some of my favourite trips so far have been Kenya for the incredible wildlife, Iceland for the landscapes, Thailand for the food and people, Croatia for the sunsets and Lisbon for it’s charm!”

Image: Emma in Iceland

Debra started her career working overseas as a representative in various destinations including: Canary Islands, Turkey and Portugal. She moved onto the winter sports market, managing resorts for Inghams Travel including Austria, Switzerland and Bulgaria. Before her career brought her back to the UK and she established herself in a role within Product Management for Inghams Travel.

She then took time out for her family before returning to the travel industry working for ABTA’s sustainability label Travelife where she took on the role of Sales and Marketing Manager – trying to convince hoteliers that Sustainability was an important consideration. Debra then moved onto working for brands such as Virgin Holidays and Audley Travel; before joining SLC where she manages accounts for various clients around the globe allowing her to use her industry knowledge and passion for travel. In her spare time, you will find her playing tennis and going on long dog walks with her family.

Contact:
debra@slcrepresentation.com

“I was fortunate to travel from an incredibly young age with adventurous parents who would take us to wonderful places in Europe and one of my youngest memories was driving around hairpin bends on the Amalfi Coast. Since then, I have travelled and worked in various places around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand – but one of my favourite places is California and once travelled around the US for three months from LA to New York via camper van. Now days you are more likely to find me with a good book overlooking a great beach somewhere in the world.”

Image: Debra in NYC

A highly motivated and responsive sales manager with a passion for customer satisfaction. I have almost 15 years’ experience working across the UK, Australian and French markets in both the leisure and corporate sectors. My role varies from business development and tenders for a DMC with French tour operators and travel agents to training, trade shows, arranging and hosting networking events and fam trips for tourist boards, hotels and cruises.

Contact:
elodie@slcrepresentation.com

“I spent almost a decade abroad between Canada, Thailand and Myanmar. I loved those places for so many different reasons but probably the best decision I have ever made was taking a year off in 2019 to visit lots of places I have always wanted to go, including Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and central America. It was totally different as I was used to Asia but I gained even more in terms of local connections.”

After dedicating 13 years to the vibrant world of travel and hospitality, I bring a wealth of expertise to my role as an Account Manager at SLC Representation. My journey in this industry began as a Modern Apprentice at Barrhead Travel, where my love for crafting unforgettable travel experiences first ignited. Subsequently, I transitioned into the world of Luxury Travel at Kuoni as a Personal Travel Expert, where I honed my skills in managing intricate travel arrangements with precision and efficiency. My professional journey also encompassed pivotal roles at If Only Holidays, where I delved into market research, strategic planning, consistently delivering insights that informed senior management decisions. Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m deeply engaged in the theatre world, currently serving as Chairman of a charity-based Musical Theatre group. These experiences have enhanced my leadership, creativity, and collaboration skills, much like how my role as an Account Manager at SLC empowers me to focus on client engagement and discover innovative ways to expand our service offerings. As a passionate traveller myself, I’m always planning the next adventure. When not immersed in the world of travel, you’ll find me enjoying the theatre.

Contact:
kevin@slcrepresentation.com

“With a globe-trotter’s heart and an explorer’s spirit, my travel journey has been an odyssey of discovery, spanning diverse cultures, captivating landscapes, and enchanting destinations. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil shores of the Maldives, I’ve immersed myself in the beauty and diversity of our world. Every adventure has been a cultural experience, from savouring exotic cuisines to connecting with fellow travellers. These journeys have not only ignited my passion for travel but have also inspired me to create exceptional travel experiences for others, turning wanderlust into lifelong memories. One particular destination that deeply resonates with me is Komodo Island, Indonesia, where the raw natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes meet the unique wildlife. This destination sparked my sense of wonder and exploration, leaving an indelible mark on my travel experiences.”

Image: Kevin at Komodo Island National Park

From a young age I have had the amazing opportunity to travel the world and live in various countries, including Mexico, Nigeria and Dubai. This allowed me to integrate myself within their cultures and experience many different ways of life. From here, my passion for travel, combined with 3 years at the University of Sussex studying Marketing and Management with Psychology, has led me to my position now, as Trade and Marketing Executive at SLC Representation.

Contact:
maddy@slcrepresentation.com

“My love and curiosity for travel started when I was very young as has always been a part of my life. I have developed a curiosity to explore every part of the world that I possibly can! Some of my favourite places include Mexico, North America and the Middle East, and I look forward to expanding this list in the future. ”

Image: Maddy in Mexico

Since completing her degree in Classical Civilisation at the University of Birmingham in 2021, Joanna has worked as a sales consultant at Hotelplan, tailoring, marketing and selling holidays to clients as well as spending a year working and travelling in the French Alps and through a variety of countries in South East Asia. With a huge passion for travel, Joanna used these experiences to nurture her creativity, adaptability and deep appreciation for different cultures, choosing to join SLC as a Trade and Marketing Executive in the hopes of encouraging as many people as possible
to integrate travel into their lives.

Contact:
joanna@slcrepresentation.com

“Travel has always played an integral part of my life, as my Cypriot heritage and interest of the wider world encouraged me to be curious about what was beyond the UK. Now in my twenties, I have been lucky enough to experience a variety of incredible places and cultures, from being
fascinated by kangaroos and penguins in Australia, hiking the rice fields in Vietnam with local guides and diving with a whale shark in Thailand.”

Image: Joanna in Laos

Petra has been working in tourism since 1992 with initial focus on North and Central America and Asia. Since 2006 she has run her own representation agency working a variety of clients from Luxury hotels and resorts to  destinations across Germany, Benelux, Scandinavia and finally and continental Europe.

Whilst Petra looks back fondly on the successes, she also sees the opportunities we have for our partners in the future. She remains grateful to have embarked on this path, one which she still travels with the same enthusiasm.

Contact:
info@slcrepresentation.com

“My  parents loved to travel and took me and my brothers at a very young age to foreign countries. I was thoroughly infected by this and loved the thrill of flying and the fascination of different cities,  countryside and different cultures. The farther away one goes the better the experience used to be my opinion! Only recently I have started exploring Europe and fell in love with Ireland.“

Image: Lough Eske Castle, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Working for 4 years as an accountant in Hanoi, Vietnam, Ha came to the United Kingdom to complete her MSc of Accounting at the University of Hudderfield before joining SLC Representation as an accountant. Ha loves exploring new cities within England, going to places such as London, Oxford, Liverpool and loads more!

Contact:
accounts@slcrepresentation.com

“Local experiences, new culture exploring and enjoying the beauty of nature inspire me to travel. If possible, doing something off the beaten track would be great for my trip ”

Image: Ha in front of St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Anthea is a seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of experience. An Australian with a Singapore background, she moved to Australia in 1987. Anthea began her hotel career in 1992 with Le Meridien Changi Singapore. In 2005, Anthea worked at ICMS, a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) in the Delegate Services team and travelled widely in Australia to provide onsite conference support for clients and conference delegates. Her subsequent roles included Sales/Business Development at IHG Hotels and Resorts, Accor, Seasons Apartment Hotel Group, WorldHotels and Marriott International. During the pandemic years, Anthea moved into motel/hotel operations with a focus on driving sales and enhancing guest experiences. All these opportunities have navigated her professional trajectory from entry level to senior roles.

In 2023, Anthea was a first time Judge, selected to sit on the judging panel for the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards. This was a volunteer role which she undertook in her spare time. She enjoyed the experience and building new industry connections. That same year, she was a Finalist in the Women in Travel Awards in the Hotel category. Overall, Anthea’s biggest strength would be a deep sense of ownership with every client and/or project she takes on.

Outside of work, you can catch her hiking, boxing (non-contact), going to the theatre, cooking and playing the piano.

Contact:
anthea@slcrepresentation.com

“From hotel halls to global connections. As a hotelier, I have spent years perfecting the art of hospitality, ensuring every guest feels at home. As someone who emigrated to Australia, I feel a sense of wonder and curiosity about the places my guests and colleagues come from, the cultures they represent and the stories they tell.

Having done some sensational travel myself, I embarked on a journey of discovery – which is why I chose to work in the hotel/tourism industry, to embrace the global community that walk through the hotel doors every day and colleagues whom I work with. I ask questions about their travels, their traditions, and their favourite destinations. From this, I learnt about the spice markets of Marrakech, the temples of Tokyo, and the cuisine of Rome, just to name a few.. As I share my own stories and recommendations with them, I realised that hotels are more than just a place to rest – it is a hub of global connections, a melting pot of cultures, a crossroads of experiences, and a launching pad for new adventures.

As I begin my journey with SLC Representation, I will continue to inspire and empower my trade parners and consumers to explore the world with me, and I owe it all to that initial spark of curiosity and adverture that Australia ignited within me.”

Image: Anthea on camel back in Israel