ABOUT TTIH
The Travel Industry Hub was formed by Richard Taylor and Luke Crawford, with the help and advice of many, many others from across travel and tourism. Between us we've worked in inbound tourism, retail and wholesale travel, airlines, travel visas, start-ups and travel technology. We've been based in big offices, small offices, home offices and been 'on the road'.
In March 2020 TTIH was about to hold a launch party to celebrate the opening of its first dedicated travel and tourism industry work, meeting and event space in Sydney that we had spent many months fitting out ourselves with the help of family members. Of course, what we were unable to prepare for was the COVID-19 pandemic. We remain open and believe that as things pick up many individuals and companies will need flexible work solutions with little or no liabilities on their books.
The concept was born from a desire to create workspaces and community for our industries that allow members to work and meet around relevant people. Why be based in a space where nobody knows who you are, or what you do?
During the pandemic, we looked to spread the message online. We held more than 150 events from March to December (including some real ones in Sydney when regulations permitted), ranging from interviews with CEO's through to unfussy online drinks that did much for the mental health of many as the world changed.
As the industry picks itself up, we continue to offer a new way of working that will suit many. With no lease or other overheads, the flexibility of a coworking space is the exact model that may help many companies survive. They might simply need a professional address to receive mail, an occasional office to gather troops or indeed a flexible space they can shelter in after exiting a lease. Individuals working in isolation at home or holding meetings in coffee shops can benefit from getting things done around others, and the camaraderie that brings. We certainly need it.
We also operate an online community, born in January 2021. With this we hope to change the way our industry interacts, and we'll let you know how that goes.
By becoming a member you can access our community online, and also in person at our Sydney space that contains private offices, dedicated desks, hot desks, meeting rooms and a large conference room for board meetings, launches, training and more. We also offer a stage and flexible area for up to 80 pax that can also act as a blank canvas for one-off events, pop-up shops, industry demos...and whatever else. We'll also be the most affordable option in Sydney, with designs on opening further spaces in other locations later.
Hit 'Join Now' at the top of any page to become a member. And if you're in the mood to learn more about coworking and our vision, take a look at our Industry Coworking page.
ABOUT US
RICHARD TAYLOR
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Richard’s travel and tourism story spans more than 20 years, starting on the helpdesk of Galileo (now Travelport) in the UK. During a backpacking trip, Richard rejoined the company in Sydney in 2004 on a 3-month contract that led to a decade in technology and sales roles. More recently Richard moved into inbound tourism, as Chief Operating Officer at Equity Travel Group.
Passionate about people and relationships in both industries, Richard launched a webinar series in 2020 that brought many together during the uncertain early months during COVID which continues today, and extended the reach of TTIH by creating a dedicated online community for the industry.
Richard's primary role is ensuring that TTIH becomes a welcoming home where great stuff happens. He is married to Rosie after meeting at Travelport, and the pair have two energetic young boys.
LUKE CRAWFORD
Co-Founder
Luke’s career began at United Airlines, leading to Scenic Tours and Travelport. Leaving the corporate world in 2014 to begin a travel technology startup, Luke then launched The Visa Machine, which he continues to run today as a global operation with offices in Sydney, Wellington, Washington DC and London. Since COVID, Luke has launched tripsafe.co, an app designed to help bring back travel through the sharing of essential data that is controlled by the user.
From humble beginnings in a small, windowless CBD office which quickly became too small, the concept of a coworking and meeting hub originates from Luke leasing offices for The Visa Machine whilst trying to plan for expansion, business exposure and staff wellbeing. With a deep love for the travel industry and its people, Luke also wants to provide startup companies with facilities and resources to help them succeed.
He and his wife Jess also met through the industry - of course - and they have three children. They are based on the Sunshine Coast with Luke coming to Sydney....when regulations allow (!)
