Have youth, will travel

The Young Travel Professionals, a networking group specifically for the next generation of travel industry executives and leaders, has opened a Tampa chapter.

The chapter is 13th for the millennial-fueled organization, founded in 2011. Others chapters are spread worldwide, including locations in Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Seattle and Vancouver. The mission of the group, with more than 10,000 members, is to connect young and up-and-coming leaders of hotels, travel agencies, tourism boards and other hospitality and travel sectors. Membership is free.

The YTP-Tampa branch has scheduled a launch party for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Bar 700 inside the Holiday Inn-Tampa Westshore. Travel industry professionals from a variety of backgrounds and expertise will don festive holiday socks at the party, the organization says in a statement.

The YTP-Tampa board includes:

Nicole Gibson, sales manager at Holiday Inn-Westshore Tampa;

Kira Solomon, owner of My Paradise Planner;

Robert Solomon, co-owner and travel consultant at My Paradise Planner;

Camille Gomez, vice president of marketing at Travel by Appointment;

Rachael Emmerich, travel consultant at Advantage Cruises & Tours;

Jake Coldiron, senior business development manager at Sandals and Beaches Resorts; and

Seth Grunes, business development manager at Carnival Cruise Line.

For more information on the Young Travel Professionals go to youngtravelprofessionals.com.