As the year begins to wind down, many of us are already looking ahead to what's next — new goals, opportunities and challenges. But career growth isn't always about making a big move. Often, it's the smaller, intentional decisions we make along the way that have the greatest impact.
Which relationships are we investing in? Are we making our accomplishments visible? Are we putting ourselves forward for opportunities, even when we don't feel entirely ready? And are we making time to think about where we want our careers to go, rather than simply focusing on what's immediately in front of us?
For women in travel and hospitality, an industry defined by constant change, balancing the demands of today with opportunities for tomorrow isn't always easy. As we look toward 2027, here are four ways to be more intentional about your professional growth:
Recognize and communicate your accomplishments. Reflect on what you've achieved this year, identify where you've made the greatest impact and make sure others understand the value you bring.
Expand your network and create business opportunities. Connect with women across different sectors of travel and hospitality, share ideas and explore opportunities to collaborate. The relationships we build can lead to new partnerships, referrals and business growth, often in unexpected ways.
Make your ambitions known. Whether you're interested in taking on more responsibility, developing new skills or pursuing a leadership role, start those conversations now rather than waiting for an opportunity to appear.
Make room for what's next. Identify one opportunity that challenges you to grow, and consider what you can take off your plate to make space for it.
At Women Leading Travel, we see firsthand how meaningful connections and candid conversations can lead to real business opportunities. By bringing women leaders together across the industry, we're creating environments where relationships grow, ideas are exchanged and business gets done.
As we approach the end of 2026, consider this: What's one decision you can make today that will put you in a stronger position for the year ahead?
Sometimes, one conversation, one new connection or one opportunity pursued can make all the difference.
– Elisabeth Segura
Strategic Content Senior Manager
EDITOR’S PICKS
The Inner Glass Ceiling: 4 Invisible Barriers Holding Women Leaders Back
SKIFT RESEARCH
LEADER SPOTLIGHT
Member Spotlight: Claudia Tellez, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Choice Hotels International
JOB OF THE WEEK
Vice President of Sales & Marketing, StepStone Hospitality
This remote leadership opportunity focuses on driving revenue growth, shaping sales and marketing strategy, and strengthening performance across a U.S. hotel portfolio. Ideal candidates will have extensive multi-property leadership experience, a strong background in full-service hospitality and the ability to travel up to 75% to support property teams.
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.
Be the boldest you’ve ever been before - and sometimes you have to create your own boldness.
