Alanna Stevens

East Coast Manager, AATKings

Alanna Stevens started out in the tourism industry in 2002 in a junior role at APT in the Sydney Day Tour department. After working her way through the ranks and truly emerging herself in the day tour business, in 2011 she created the brand Downunder Adventures for Australia’s backpacking industry.

Learning about the backpacking industry the hard way, Alanna travelled around Australia promoting Sydney day tours and building the brand through agencies and partnerships. In 2012 APT was bought by AAT Kings and the brand was merged with Aussie Adventures, an established brand offering Sydney and Darwin day tour and short breaks. A new opportunity presented itself in 2015 and Alanna joined the team at Colourful Trips as General Manager. Business growth was big on the agenda and over the last two years many goals have been achieved including increased departures, passenger growth, new destinations established, stronger brand awareness, and the acquisition of Zepher Tours.

Alanna is now East Coast Manager for AATKings and juggles her career alongside her other passion, acting as Director at Life Project Cambodia (LPC). A NGO formed in 2013, LPC supports students and their families in Cambodia with funds raised with help from the backpacking industry.

In 2014 Alanna became a committee member for Backpacker Operators Association of NSW (BOA) and is currently the President. BOA acts as a spokesperson for the industry, lobbies state and local government on issues relevant to the industry, and hosts networking and educational events for members. BOA NSW works closely with WYSE Travel Confederation during the Australian Youth Tourism Week held in Sydney, during which WYSE Exchange Australia is held.

Alanna lives in Sydney with her husband and two children.

Sessions:

Master of ceremonies