Somewhere right now, a woman is opening a new market, leading a team across continents, forging partnerships across cultures or redefining what global growth looks like in travel. Chances are, she isn't seeking the spotlight. But her leadership is shaping the future of our industry.
At Women Leading Travel, we believe those stories deserve to be seen.
That's why we're inviting nominations for our upcoming research report, International Expansion: Women Leading Global Growth, publishing this September ahead of our New York City Leadership Exchange.
This report will spotlight the senior women leaders driving international growth across travel and hospitality—expanding into new markets, leading cross-border teams, navigating cultural complexity and building businesses that reach far beyond their home base. Their work is transforming organizations, strengthening the global travel ecosystem and opening doors for those who follow.
We're seeking nominations for women at the VP level and above who lead international markets, global strategy or worldwide growth initiatives across every corner of the industry, including hotels, airlines, cruise, tourism, destinations, technology, OTAs, rail and beyond.
Nominations close August 1, 2026.
If you know a woman whose leadership is making a global impact, nominate her. And if that leader is you, we encourage you to put your name forward.
Help us recognize the women expanding not only businesses, but what's possible for our industry.
– Elisabeth Segura
Strategic Content Senior Manager
EDITOR’S PICKS
The Future of Travel Isn't Waiting. Neither Are the Women Leading It
At the Women Leading Travel Forum, our industry trends panel brought together leaders from destinations, airlines and cruise to unpack the forces redefining the industry—from shifting global demand and AI to operational challenges and evolving traveler expectations.
LEADER SPOTLIGHT
Women of Skift Spotlight: Mariana Gianaris, Director of Human Resources
Mariana Gianaris believes the future of work is built on trust, community and the kind of culture that actually makes people want to stay — and she's doing something about it.
JOB OF THE WEEK
Director of Luxury Leisure Sales, Atlantis Bahamas
This New York-based role serves as the primary ambassador for Atlantis (The Cove, The Reef, and The Royal) within one of its most critical feeder markets, cultivating relationships with high-performing travel advisors and key networks, while positioning Atlantis as a premier luxury destination for high-net-worth travelers. The position plays a central role in expanding market share, increasing brand preference and maximizing ROI across consortia partnerships while executing targeted sales, marketing and relationship strategies that deliver incremental high-value leisure business.
BECOME A MEMBER
Women Leading Travel provides executive women in the travel and hospitality industry a place where they can unite, educate and inspire one another — a trusted community of like-minded executive professional women.an empowering experience that left me energized and motivated.
What stood out most wasn’t just the titles in the room — C-suite leaders, investors, owners — but the collective perspective and openness in sharing real experiences.
