The Australian travel industry is mourning the loss of former Travel Daily managing director Jenny Piper, who passed away following a courageous two-year battle with a rare form of cancer. She was 60 years old, having celebrated her birthday just four days earlier.
A highly respected figure in travel publishing, Piper spent two decades leading the Business Publishing Group (BPG) alongside her husband, Bruce Piper. Her passing comes after a lifetime dedicated to supporting and growing the travel trade through some of its most challenging and transformative periods.
During her tenure, Piper played a pivotal role in expanding BPG’s publishing portfolio, overseeing the launch of sister titles Cruise Weekly and Pharmacy Daily, as well as the acquisition of travelBulletin in 2014.
Known for her tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the industry, Piper was instrumental in helping the travel sector stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. She spearheaded the hugely successful Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming initiative, which produced 100 weekly digital magazine editions designed to inspire travellers and support travel advisors while borders remained closed.
Beyond publishing, she brought warmth and positivity to the industry through creative initiatives including video messages, puzzle pages, International Donut Day celebrations and the 2020 Travel Daily Awards, helping lift morale during one of tourism’s darkest chapters.
Piper is survived by her husband, Travel Daily editor-at-large Bruce Piper, and their children Sarah, Anna and Ben, all of whom have been involved with the family business over the years.
A celebration of Jenny Piper’s life will be held in the coming days, with further details expected to be shared by Travel Daily this week.
Her legacy as a publisher, leader, mentor and champion of the travel industry will be remembered by colleagues, partners and friends across Australia and beyond
