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Vanessa McGovern has built her entire career within the travel industry. And earlier this year, she
stepped into a new role as senior vice president of partner product, marketing
and events at Global Travel Collection (GTC), the luxury arm of Internova
Travel Group.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Vanessa shares how she
got her start as an art auctioneer onboard cruise ships — a role that taught
her the fundamentals of sales, customer service and persuasive storytelling.
She also reflects on her experience co-founding Gifted Travel Network, which earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list and
quickly became one of the fastest-growing private companies in Charlotte, North
Carolina.
Beyond her leadership roles, Vanessa is an educator,
industry advocate and strategist. Now, in her position at GTC, she continues to
shape the travel advisor community by
strengthening partnerships, creating exclusive programs and redefining how
luxury travel is curated and delivered.
This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.
Credit: 2025 TravelAge WestResources Mentioned in This Episode
Global Travel Collection
Internova Travel Group
Vanessa McGovern on LinkedIn
About Your Host
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.
TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
About the Show
TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.
