We are thrilled to have Christina Lawford, the inspiring Founder and CEO of DiamondAir International, to share a special Q&A for IWTTF Gulf. With her innovative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence in the travel and hospitality industry, Christina has built DiamondAir into a globally recognized brand that continues to set new standards in VIP airport concierge services.
Her journey as a trailblazing entrepreneur is both fascinating and empowering, and we are deeply grateful for DiamondAir International’s support for IWTTF Gulf.
What unique perspective do you bring to the travel industry, and how has it shaped your approach to your work?
I always like to challenge the ‘conventional’ we seem to be happy accepting things ‘are the way they are’ because that is how it has been done for years. However, the reality is different, in the travel industry things can be challenged and changed for the better. I see a problem & want to find the solution. I love to create new ideas and see them delivered operationally to the passengers. Making people’s travel experiences seamless and enjoyable is what I strive for. I will always take on a challenge & show it can be done whenever I’m told it can’t!
Can you share a memorable experience that taught you something essential about the travel world?
Yes, when we were first awarded our airside, ground operators licence at London Heathrow airport I realised that the impossible is possible if you are persistent & believe in what you are trying to achieve – it takes patience! If you are committed to meeting customer needs there is always a complaint way, even in a highly regulated environment such as the airport. It also made me realise that you need a great operations team to deliver in a dynamic airport environment whilst serving a global customer base 24/7.
What trends or changes in the travel industry excite you most, and how do you envision the future of travel evolving?
Technology and new products, simply how you can do things differently. With our new product; En Route we are taking the airport to the passenger, with remote off-airport check-in for passengers & bags, land & leave service with bags cleared through the customer & delivered to your door in a 4-hour window. Of course, the advancement of women-owned businesses & women in our sector is fantastic to see, we are not there yet but we are making progress, I am excited at the growing support for DEI!
How and why does DiamondAir show its commitment to social impact-driven initiatives?
As a female entrepreneur, we support various women’s charities & initiatives to train women & connect them with travel companies for job opportunities. We also offer mentoring & coaching to women who wish to start their own businesses hence creating economic independence & opportunity in an industry sector which is still male-dominated in leadership positions.
What does being involved in IWTTF Gulf mean to you personally, and how does it align with your values or goals?
I have been an avid supporter of Women in Travel CIC & the IWTTF for over 5 years, to see the advancement and expansion into the Gulf is really exciting, it is a great achievement for all involved to be reaching a wider audience in terms of women empowerment in the travel industry. My personal goals are to support women in leadership positions or wish to start-up businesses, the objectives of WIT wholly align with my own values.
WOMEN IN TRAVEL CIC
