One of the Australian travel sector’s most recognised and trusted voices, Richard Taylor, has today announced the launch of Talent for Travel, an industry-focused recruitment business designed to connect travel companies with people who truly fit.
Positioned as “travel recruitment from the inside,” the business is built on long-standing relationships, deep sector experience and a clear belief that better hires start with industry understanding.
Taylor is well-known across the sector for his work bringing the industry together, as well as his senior role with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), where he served as Director of Membership & Industry Affairs until February 2026 during a critical period of rebuilding and change.
Alongside this, his ongoing involvement as an event emcee, podcast host of Offloaded, industry award judge and as a committee member of TIME (the Travel Industry Mentor Experience) sees him closely connected to the people, businesses and ideas shaping the modern travel industry.
That visibility, and the trust built through it, now underpins the foundation of Talent for Travel.
The business will work across a broad range of roles within the travel sector, supporting employers seeking high-quality, pre-vetted candidates, as well as individuals considering their next step.
The initial phase of the business will continue a strong focus on meeting with candidates across the industry, building a current and well-vetted talent pool aligned to the needs of today’s travel businesses.
“Talent for Travel is the result of hundreds of conversations with both employers and individuals. They’ve told me that there’s a space for a trusted partner on both sides of the recruitment journey,” said Taylor.
“Employers ask for improved vetting of applicants after taking time to understand their specific needs and company culture, while individuals are already looking for timely communication and honest, discreet conversations about their future with someone who understands the industry and has a clear view of what businesses are actually looking for.”
The launch comes at a time when travel businesses are placing increasing importance on securing and retaining the right talent as the industry continues to evolve.
“It’s no secret that finding and retaining new talent will be perhaps the greatest challenge that the industry faces in the coming years. As Talent for Travel builds, I’d like it to play a meaningful role in promoting the industry to outsiders, working with others to link curious people with insider expertise and real job opportunities.”
“For many years, I’ve been having conversations with people about their next move or helping businesses think about who they need. Talent for Travel simply builds on that in a more structured way that I believe can make a real difference,” said Taylor.
