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

Gill joined SLC after starting her travel career at Flight Centre, where she sold worldwide travel and managed the opening of a new store in the heart of Camden. Managing the launch of SLC into Asia shortly after joining, Gill has been instrumental in SLC’s expansion over the last decade and became a shareholder of the business in 2012. Today she oversees our new business development as part of SLC’s senior leadership team. With a BA in Music from Cambridge University, Gill still has a love of classical music, and is most likely to be spotted on Saturdays at the Hove seafront park run having recently discovered a passion for running.

Contact:
gill@slcrepresentation.com

“It was a charity hitchhike to Morocco when I was 20 that first gave me a love of travel. Our 10 day adventure through France and Spain saw us spending a night in a Chateau in the Pyrenees, a day on the beach near Bilbao, and endless hours spend patiently at the side of the road waiting for our next ride! I’ll never forget the generosity of the people who helped us to make that journey.”

Image: Gill at the Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Elen’s career spans 10 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

Kate brings over a decade of marketing and communications experience which was gained across the media, banking, government and tourism industries. She first joined SLC in 2017 on a short term contract to run the Tourism Western Australia account, she rejoined in 2019 to oversee new business marketing plans and proposals. Kate’s addiction to travel has led her to almost 100 countries, when she’s not collecting passport stamps she’s trying her hand at home renovation.

Contact:
kate@slcrepresentation.com

Image: Kate in the Dead Sea

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.

Shirley’s love of travel and adventure started at a young age, which led to her first role in the tourism industry as a Travel Agent. Over the next 3 decades, Shirley has grown her experience across all areas of the industry including wholesale, product management, and sales development for hotels, touring activities and small ship cruising across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Shirley joined the SLC Representation team in 2022 as Account Manager based in Australia. Working with innovative tourism companies helping to create new ideas,
sharing their story, and building strong relationships is her driving passion.

Contact:
shirley@slcrepresentation.com

“My love of travel truly started as a product manager for Greece and Turkey. I remember on my first trip to Turkey, the exact moment I was in a hot air balloon, silently rising above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, I knew working in the travel industry was my destiny. I have since visited Turkey at least 12 times. As my two daughters have grown into young adults,
being able to share our adventures together has been so special. Recently returning from India, this has further ignited my sense of discovery. Having visited over 60 countries and 57% of the world, I have an incredible passion for travel, meeting people and learning about
their cultures and way of life, this inspires me every day to continue my journey.“

Image: Shirley in India

Rebecca’s career in tourism spans almost two decades, her most recent adventure joining the SLC team in 2020.

In 2002 Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management and International Studied at UTS in Sydney. Since then, she has worked in sales and marketing roles for a number of tourism products. More recently, she moved into representation. Like most of us, she’s passionate about tourism and driven to achieve results for her clients.

Contact:
info@slcrepresentation.com

“I caught the travel bug on my first trip overseas when I was 17, for the next ten years, I would work hard, but save harder for my next adventure. After having children, personal travel was not as frequent (flights are expensive with four children), but I’ve always got a trip on the horizon. I often have to pinch myself when I travel for work – we’re so lucky to be able to travel to such incredible places and call it work! I couldn’t imagine being in any other industry.“

Image: Rebecca and her family at Park Güell in Barcelona.

Vicky was exposed to international travel from a young age when her father lived and worked in the Indian Subcontinent, and school holidays were spent exploring exotic cultures and beautiful destinations. So it was no surprise that she pursued a career in travel, and following a period living in New Zealand, started her career in a customer facing sales position specialising in Asia and Australasia. Vicky progressed into the dynamic world of Product, working at luxury operators Abercrombie and Kent, and latterly Carrier. In these roles, she worked closely with global DMC’s luxury brands such as Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, Four Seasons, Capella, COMO & Rosewood, and influential media such as Conde Nast Traveller, The Sunday Times & The Telegraph.

Contact:

vicky@slcrepresentation.com

“I just love the buzz of Asia, and the uniqueness of each country; it’s very hard to choose a favourite destination!  A fantastic trip that sticks in my mind though is when I visited Bensley Collection’s Shinta Mani Wild in the Cambodian jungle; I am passionate about sustainable and ethical travel experiences and Shinta Mani Wild is doing some fantastic, hands-on conservation in the Cardamom mountains plus you can zip wire in over a waterfall on arrival, land in the bar and grab a cocktail. What’s not to like?

When I am not working with the team here at SLC I can be found roaming around Gloucestershire with my young family and running over the Cotswold hills with friends.”

Image: Vicky in Cambodia

Jake brings over seven years of experience in the travel industry across multiple roles in Australia, Canada, New Zealand & the UK.

He started in customer-facing roles at Flight Centre UK & NZ before making a move to tour operators Topdeck Travel, Intrepid Group and most recently representing Australasia Holiday Experts, ANZCRO to the trade.

Jake has come on board at SLC as an Account Manager and is really excited to represent his clients and develop relationships with key partners within the UK trade. Away from his passion for travel, he loves his football, running and trialling the latest food box innovation.

Contact: jake@slcrepresentation.com

“I spent the best part of my twenties working and living in four different countries whilst immersing myself in different cultures. Some of my favourite experiences include enjoying the great outdoors in Canada such as taking in rewarding views of Jasper after hiking 6.8 km (1200 elevation gain) to Whistler’s summit!“

Image: Jake in the Rockies

Susana has a Masters degree in Social and Cultural Communication, and brings over 12 years of PR experience working in agency roles as well as freelance.

Originally working within the sports sector, Susana gained experience working on campaigns for Puma and Adidas, before taking on an Account Management role at the Queen of Clubs  Lifestyle Luxury Services.

Prior to joining SLC, she was working with SteinIAS leading a small team across all aspects of media campaigns.

Contact:
susana@slcrepresentation.com

“Growing up by the sea in one of the most beautiful bays in the world, I inherited the sailors’ gene – the curiosity to know what is beyond the horizon, and beyond what the eye can see. So, you can say that travel in in my blood. I have visited quite a few countries, but my happy place is always somewhere by the sea. Sailing on a two week trip in the Mediterranean changed my life; it is these sort of experiences that fascinate me, and cement my love for travel.”

Image: Sailing in the Mediterranean

Rashi brings more than four years of experience working with leading tourism organisations, governments, and businesses to advise on effective marketing campaigns and consumer trends. She graduated with an Erasmus Mundus Masters Degree in Tourism Development and Culture from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, University of Malta, Malta & ISCTE Business School – University Institute of Lisbon where she gained expertise in working with different nationalities and cultures.

Her career in tourism started with FCM Travel Solutions, since then she has been taking various roles and representing international tourism destinations in the Indian market. Apart from travel, Rashi is passionate about innovation, digital trends, and enjoying sunsets.

Contact:
rashi@slcrepresentation.com

“Growing up in India, a land rich and diverse in culture led me to develop a passion for travel and a curiosity for
exploring different cultures. I am happiest when I am travelling to experience different traditions, meet exciting
people, and discover new lifestyles. My master’s degree in Tourism Development and Culture introduced me to the joy of living in different countries and making friends from all around the world. Some of the travel memories close to my heart are boat rides in Udaipur in Rajasthan, exploring historic cities of Italy, and enjoying local cuisine in Lisbon. I am always on the lookout for new adventures.”

Image: Rashi in Florence

Annabelle brings over eight years of experience in the international education sector creating study abroad programmes and promoting international education opportunities across Europe.

The overarching aim of Annabelle’s career has been to encourage young people to get out of their hometowns and embark on adventures abroad. She brings a wealth of experience in international events and programme management working with an array of universities and schools worldwide.

The most fulfilling part of Annabelle’s job has been to see young people changed by their experiences abroad and return home with new ideas, goals and dreams for the future.

info@slcrepresentation.com

“I was bitten by the travel bug early in life, as a child I was able to spend multiple summers with my older sibling in Manhattan, NYC which gave me a window into a world different from my own. Since then travelling has become a staple part of my life allowing me to visit an array of places.

My favourite trip was a road-trip across the Southern States of the USA, the food and hospitality blew me away and I first-hand learned the true meaning of Southern hospitality. I was inspired to travel to the South of the U.S. due to my interest in civil-rights history and desire to learn more about the American South.

My desire to work in travel stemmed from my own personal experiences travelling and the desire to encourage others to create their own memorable experiences in lands afar.”

Image: Annabelle in Austin, Texas

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