As if we’d ever let a pandemic get in the way of honouring the incredible work carried out by all sectors of the global travel insurance industry. No way! In fact, it’s especially poignant to be able to bring you the ITIJ Awards again this year, despite the ongoing challenges of our time.

So, it is with great pride that, in this issue, we announce the opening of the 19th annual ITIJ Awards. Showcasing talent, achievement and innovation, the Awards are testament to the adaptability of this dynamic industry and its ability to evolve and meet even the toughest of obstacles square on. The last 12 months have required continued resolve and special measures to deal with Covid-19 – in every sector of the industry – to enable travellers and expatriates to receive the care and attention they need, when they need it most. There’s an Award category for everyone, so check out the details of this year’s categories in our Headline News section and enter today and give your team the recognition they deserve!

Elsewhere in this issue, we chart the changing landscape of the international travel and tourism sector, looking at how insurers and other industry providers around the world are joining forces to navigate the reopening of travel routes and ensure travellers are protected. Our feature article this month takes an in-depth look at what travel insurers need to make sure they’re going to emerge stronger post-Covid. 

It’s a very exciting time for ITIJ, as we gear up to welcome Mandy Langfield into ITIJ’s hot seat. Next month, ITIJ will be a joint effort between Mandy and myself, so look out for an interview in the July issue with the both of us, where we talk through our hopes and plans for ITIJ, going forward. Then from 1 July, Mandy will be the new editor of ITIJ, so it’s over to her! She’s going to smash it. All the very best, Mandy! 

As this is my last issue as sole editor of ITIJ, may I take this opportunity to thank you all for the contributions you have made to the magazine during my time as editor, the insights you’ve shared for articles, and for teaching me so much about the incredible industry you are all part of. It has been an honour to represent your businesses and to have got to the heart of so many of the vast issues that affect every part of the industry. I wish you well as we emerge from the pandemic and look forward to keeping in touch as we all move forward into a new world.

Sarah Watson, ITIJ Editor