Spotlight on Maren Hanschke, 2021 WINiT Top 50 Women in Travel Recipient

Born in Germany and based out of Mexico,  Maren Hanschke brings with her more than 20 years of travel industry experience, specializing in Business Travel and Global TMC´s. She graduated with a Business Management Degree at the Universidad Iberoamericana Golfo Centro in Puebla, Mexico and is fluent in 3 Languages.

Consolidating and structuring the FCM Partner Network in 19 countries in Latin America, the Company has reached recognition on excellent service and Brand positioning. Her experience includes Sales, Implementation and knowledge of OBT and Change Management creating a high value proposition for Multinational Clients in Managing their Regional and local Travel Programs. She has leveraged this experience to a regional level as Director for the Latin America & Caribbean markets working for Flight Centre Travel Group and since 1st March 2020 taking over as President for FCTG Mexico Business.

Hanschke has served as an active Member at the GBTA Advisory Board for Latin America since 2017 and has participated as a speaker in multiple conventions.  She is also part of the committee of the AFEET Association representing and enhancing the International Expansion opportunities.

What do you love about being in business travel? 

I absolutely LOVE working in Business Travel.  Mainly because of meeting new people, new places, cultures and of course the traveling.  In my career, I have had the opportunity to start working at an airline for a couple of years and then jumping to the TMC space. Firstly, working for TQ3 and then for FCM Travel Solutions which is the Corporate division of Flight Centre Travel Group.  Being on this side of the business has given me the insight into all the players in the Industry. GDS’s, Hotel Chains, Car Rental Companies, Airlines and of course multinational companies that are our clients. The experience that you can share with all the colleagues are priceless.  Nothing gives me more joy than learning from other people’s experiences.

Are things getting better for women in the business travel industry or is there still work to be done?   

I think overall things are getting better for women in all the Industries and all aspects. This thanks to the commitments that companies are entering regarding inclusion and equal opportunities for the female workforce. Though there is still a lot of work to be done, mainly in Latin America. I must confess that it has not been easy to gain the respect of some colleagues, in a culture that is still male-centric regarding decision making positions.

I’m very thankful for the opportunities that I have been given by FCTG. We also have a program in place called “Womenwise” that encourages and empowers all women in the Company.  By being in a Leadership position, it is now my responsibility to continue inspiring other Women!

What advice would you give to women just starting their careers in business travel?

LOVE what you do! Learn from every experience and listen to everyone. You can always learn something new or change the way you see things.  Be perseverant and whatever you do, do it right! This will show the quality of you as a person and the quality of your job!