Drinks giant Diageo hosted a Women in Travel Retail Plus (WITR+) fundraising and networking event in Cannes as the voluntary group announced a broadened scope.

WITR+ is a collective that seeks to build a more diverse and inclusive industry within travel retail. 

The event, held on Tuesday 3 October, served as a platform for WITR to affirm the ‘+’ in its name. It was also a forum for members to reconnect.

WITR+’s committee, including Chair and Vice Chair Sarah Branquinho and Gerry Munday, were in attendance. Andrew Cowan, Managing Director of Diageo Global Travel, hosted the event.

The event also focused on raising funds for 2023 charity of the year, the Koma Karanth Foundation.

A donation entered attendees into a raffle draw, with prizes provided by Diageo Global Travel, Tumi and Victoria’s Secret. The three businesses are WITR+ corporate members and supporters.

“At Diageo we believe not only in doing business the right way, but that inclusive and diverse cultures make for better business and a better world,” Cowan said. 

“We are proud to champion inclusion and diversity across our business, with our partners and communities, like WITR+.” 

Diageo is using the TFWA World Exhibition week to promote its Don Julio tequila and Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky brands.