Welcome to “Spotlight On", where we spotlight an inspiring PR professional from the TravMedia community, and this time we're proud to feature Bly Carpenter, Public Relations Manager at World Expeditions. Bly brings a genuine passion for adventure travel storytelling within one of the industry's most respected operators — a company that has been connecting curious travellers with the world's wild and remote places for over four decades, with a deep commitment to responsible and sustainable exploration.

1) How long have you been in your current role?
Two and a half very happy years.

2) How long have you been in the travel industry?
About 30 years in total, on and off. This is the first time I've worked purely in travel – and safe to say, I'm not leaving anytime soon.

3) In your past professional life, you were …
Running my own PR consultancy across wine, food, design and travel – so yes, all the good things. It was equal parts fun and relentless, but it's made me very appreciative of life in-house. Focusing all that energy on one brand is a real luxury.

4) What is something you love about working with travel media?
I've worked across a lot of media circles over the years, but travel media is hands down my favourite, and I promise that's not just a PR line. There's something about people who are drawn to travel – they're curious, open, adventurous and deeply empathetic, with a real appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. They're also just genuinely great company. I feel incredibly lucky (and yes, a little bit smug) that these are the people I get to spend my days working with.

5) What are your professional pet peeves?
Honestly, it's more a time issue than a peeve – there are always more opportunities for great stories than there are hours in the day. And, in the spirit of full disclosure, I do get a little twitchy when competitors land coverage I had my eye on. All very friendly, of course… mostly.

6) What has been your most memorable press trip?
Without a doubt, taking a group of my now-favourite journalists to Nepal to trek through the breathtaking Everest region. The setting was extraordinary, the hospitality and food were superb, and the group dynamic was warm, fun and effortless from start to finish. It was pure joy – I kept having those “pinch me” moments, standing on top of the world with such fantastic people, usually slightly out of breath but grinning, and realising I was being paid to do it.

7) What is your favourite place to travel?
India. The landscape, the people, the architecture, the food, the history….it's chaotic, colourful, complex – a feast for all the senses and completely addictive. I can't wait to get back. Interestingly, we have an incredible new trip to India based on the life and work of Rudyard Kipling in February 2027. Perhaps they'll send me …