Amsterdam, 2 February, 2026 — WYSE Travel Confederation is delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Fenner as its new Director General, effective 1 April 2026.
Andy brings a combination of entrepreneurial experience, association leadership, and global perspective to the Confederation. Having worked across Africa and Europe, he has founded and operated multiple youth-travel businesses, including backpacker hostels, adventure tour companies, and guest houses. His work extends beyond commercial operations, with meaningful contributions to NGO-led sustainable tourism initiatives that strengthen local communities and long-term destination resilience.
Andy previously served as CEO of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), where he represented the industry to government and key stakeholders and helped navigate a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Sébastien Leitner, Chairperson of the WYSE Management Board, commented on the appointment:
“We are delighted to welcome Andy Fenner as our new Director General. His unique blend of hands-on entrepreneurial experience and high-level advocacy makes him the perfect fit to lead WYSE Travel Confederation into its next chapter. Andy’s commitment to sustainable tourism, combined with his innovative and proven ability to navigate complex regulations and industry headwinds, means he’s the leader who gets things done. “
Commenting on his new role, Andy Fenner said:
“I am honoured to join WYSE Travel Confederation, an organisation that has been at the heart of the youth travel industry for decades. From running hostels to advocating for the short-term rental sector, I have witnessed firsthand the vital role this industry plays in fostering cultural exchange and driving economic growth. I look forward to working with the team and our members to champion the needs of young travellers and to ensure our association remains resilient, sustainable, and innovative.”
An avid marathon runner and a trustee for several NGOs, Fenner will be based at the Confederation’s headquarters in Amsterdam. He succeeds the outgoing leadership at a time when the organisation is ramping up for major industry events, including the STAY WYSE Hostel Conference in Budapest and the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) later this year in Bilbao.
About WYSE Travel Confederation
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The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation is the only global not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to the youth, student, and educational travel industry. With a heritage dating back to the aftermath of World War II, the Confederation was formed in 2006 through the merger of FIYTO and ISTC.
Today, it represents over 600 member organizations across 120 countries, who collectively serve over 30 million young travellers annually. WYSE Travel Confederation is committed to understanding the motivations of the next generation of travellers through its industry-leading research (including the New Horizons study) and supports the sector through its four strategic pillars: Trading, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
Media Contact: WYSE Travel Confederation
Press Office Email: communications@wysetc.org
Website: www.wysetc.org