Female Travel Leaders Offer Advice on International Women's Day

In honor of International Women's Day, we wanted to speak to women leaders in the travel industry and get their take on how women can be successful in the travel sphere. Some of these women own their own tour companies and others hold the top positions at worldwide known travel companies.

Some women have faced obstacles because of their gender, race, age or sexual orientation, and others speak of having fantastic mentors and their excitement about how women are shaping hospitality. Whatever the case, they all share their experiences and thoughts on how women play an important role in the industry today and in the future.

Darshika Jones is the Regional Director of North America for Intrepid Travel, where she oversees the entire region with a focus on continuing to grow with a purpose beyond profit.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

I strongly believe that passion drives success. If you're passionate about travel then this will naturally fuel your desire to grow within the industry and opportunities will ensue. Like any industry, I believe it's important to seek mentorship opportunities-whether that's internally or externally in another business within the industry-to provide perspective on growth and support in your current position while helping to craft goals for future successes.

Some of my most-passionate conversations have been with mentors or mentorees, which have pushed me to challenge and grow myself into who I am today. This is why Intrepid is a firm advocate of its Global Mentorship Program to foster connections between women (and men) wanting to progress or learn about different areas within our business, of which I'm part of and a firm believer in.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

On an Intrepid trip, I was once told to pursue a career that made me smile and my commitment to work would come naturally; I did just that.

Before working for Intrepid, I worked so that I could travel, now I work in the tourism industry. My greatest pleasure is collaborating with a global business of over 1,800 employees who are equally as passionate about innovating sustainable, real-life travel experiences that help the people and places we visit thrive while changing the way our travelers see the world. I smile every day because I'm doing what I love, with like-minded colleagues.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

As the world's largest adventure travel company with more than 40 global offices in multiple countries, one of our business's core focuses is gender equality.

We're actively seeking more women tour leaders around the globe- whether in India, Morocco or Kenya-and in 2017, we reported 42 percent of our employees are women, with a goal of 50/50 gender split by 2020; we created women-led and women-operated women-only expeditions in Morocco, Jordan and Iran, which quickly sold-out prompting us to increase departures by 800 percent.

As a woman employed in a business that completely supports the growth and success of its women employees, I see first-hand stories of great success from fellow employees like Zina Bencheikh-general manager of Marrakech PEAK DMC, which is owned by Intrepid Group-fighting for gender quality in Moroccan tourism (widely considered a male-dominated industry), including launching Morocco Women's Expedition, or the eight Intrepid women employees nominated for the Australian Women in Travel Awards in 2017. I'm proud to work for a business that offers women the opportunity to wield influence in the tourism industry.

Denise Godreau is the chief brand and innovation officer of Holiday Inn Club Vacations, where she is responsible for driving cross-functional collaborative innovation in research, data mining, branding, product design, communications and digital technology to accelerate growth among new consumer segments.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

I would advise girls and women hoping to make it big in the travel industry to always stay current with consumer trends, industry trends and technology. There is much disruption going on in travel right now, which brings incredible opportunity for anyone with vision and courage.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Find one or two things that truly matter in making a decision, then move. Action beats inaction every time. I'm not afraid of making mistakes or speaking my mind-lack of leadership and urgency is what causes most careers to stall.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Research shows that 75-80 percent of all travel decisions are made by women. More women are traveling for business, as well as traveling solo. When planning and traveling with family, women want a seamless experience that is fun for themselves and the kids, both together and apart. Women also emphasize purpose in travel.

Women leading strategy in travel companies can be among the first to capitalize on these trends, as long as they are not afraid to use their intuition and personal experiences. I often gain time by validating things that I intuitively feel should be big opportunities-it leads to focused explorations that can be acted on quickly.

Gail Smith-Howard has had a 36-year career at Hyatt and is currently the general manager at Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, the closest hotel to the U.S. Capitol.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to make mistakes. As Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work"-life is full of opportunities, it is important to not hesitate and give them a try.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

My grandmother told me to always give at least 100 percent because you expect 100 percent of your pay, so be fair to your employer. Make sure to learn something from everyone you work for: either what to do or what not to. Follow your passion and do the right thing every day.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I see the travel industry as a two-way road: not only are women becoming more and more prominent leaders in this industry, but women are also responsible for the majority of travel decisions and travel purchases.

Back in 2016, GWU posted a study stating that nearly two-thirds of travelers are women, and I think that the travel industry will "level up" and have a better representation of women in leadership roles. It is just natural for women to lead the industry that takes care of customers, a majority of whom are women. Who can better understand and see travel from a woman's perspective than a woman herself?

Executive Chef of Caribe Hilton, Germania Diaz began is one of a few female executive chefs in Puerto Rico's hotel industry, and with more than 29 years of expertise, the Caribbean-born chef's career path has taken her to kitchens from around the world allowing her to draw culinary inspiration from her travels.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

It's crucial to have your own identity and never compromise that. You also need to really love what you do and be creative. I always focus on delivering quality in everything I do, but above all, I cook with passion. This is what keeps my creativity flowing.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

The best advice I've received was to always let my creativity lead me and have clear expectations of where I want to be in 10-20 years. In this industry, it's essential to "think outside the box," while setting goals that force you to hone your skills, continue learning and push to be more creative.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I see a different way of operating the kitchen. There's more teamwork between chefs and line cooks. There is more respect, which ultimately leads to a more effective learning environment. This benefits everyone as we can all learn from each other.

Raised in Hawaii, Lynette Eastman is an award-winning hospitality professional with more than 30 years of experience and general manager of The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Ladies, follow your heart in everything you do; trust our female natural ability to LOVE, NURTURE and LEAD. If you believe it, you shall receive it!

Like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Be prepared to set yourself apart from people, problems, pressure and pain in pursuit of personal growth. Surround yourself with positive influences that guide you and create in you purpose and goals.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

My lifetime career coach would always say when you have something that is exciting that you are doing or have accomplished, SHARE IT and do so ASAP! It is always great to receive recognition from others but why wait? We need to share more good and great positive things rather than some of the news headlines we have today.

Social media has provided a medium for us personally and for business in getting our word or view out! Goodness, my 5-year-old granddaughter is on Kid's Messenger! Those that do not embrace social media today will be left behind tomorrow. Timing is critical of your message and social media is quickly moving, quickly changing and already evolving.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

In the hotel industry, you see more women being promoted around the globe to executive level positions which is inspiring to young women desiring to follow the same career paths in the hospitality business. Particularly in Hawaii, where family (what we call "ohana") is first priority in Hawaiian culture, you see many women in general manager, vice president, president, high-level positions and still raising their children.

I believe a woman's ability to multi-task and balance career, community and home life has prepared women for such a time as this. Women are born nurturers, it makes perfect sense we would be instrumental in shaping the travel industry today in terms of servanthood to our employees, guests, owners and customers.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Rocio Vazquez Landeta founded of Eat Like a Local Mexico City to follow her passion for her city and create a tourist product that promotes cultural exchange and economic growth with an all-women team.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Break the rules! We as women have a better sense of empathy which allows us to understand better what women travelers need. Create something that you would like to have, forget about traditional tourism models that aren't working anymore. Trust your instincts.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

A good friend of mine told me once to keep expenses small. Everybody wants to start a business with a big office, staff and an amazing and expensive website and that's a big mistake. I started small with $200USD investment and almost no monthly costs if I was not operating tours. This allowed me to survive during the first years when nobody knew me and I had almost no clients.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Women are traveling more now, so travel companies need to target women. We need amazing experiences in sage environments. We want to explore the world and feel free, but at the same time feel safe and that's creating a whole new niche for tourism. We want real and deep travel experiences that help us connect with the community and allow us to learn and grow.

I think more women will be creating travel experiences for women for solo travelers, traveling with friends or even mother and daughter trips. I see a future where women-owned companies will create experiences for other women that are deep, cultural, real and fulfilling experiences.

A music lover from an early age and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Lauren Bucherie is the Director of Music + Brand Activations for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, a role in which she seeks to soundtrack each guest's stay across all Kimpton properties, in the unique spaces of the hotel and restaurant.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Find the people who are already doing what you think you want to be doing and make those connections. When I was 22 years old, I did it the old-fashioned way. I looked up the people behind the soundtracks to my favorite TV shows or movies, tracked down their contact information and sent a cold email.

If someone I admired was speaking on a panel, I would sign up, go to the front of the room, and introduce myself. Creative industries are very relationship-based, but you have the power to create those connections.

It won't always be a yes, but you'd be surprised how far passion and enthusiasm will go to crack open a door. Find the white space within the industry and present a solution. Both the travel and music industries need more female voices, so speaking up with passion points and new ways to approach issues will not only help elevate you but can also evolve an entire industry!

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

For anyone searching for a job who's trying to balance their passion: don't give up on your dream, but find temporary ways to make it work in the meantime. I had a lot of setbacks and almost went into the family business of real estate before I took one more shot at music with Kimpton.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

More than ever before, travelers are willing to go to remote places for the experience and are more interested in understanding and immersing themselves in the local culture, including music.

I love seeing solo female travelers or small group travel with other women for meaningful girlfriend getaways. We see time and again that women are more comfortable being on their own and enjoy challenging themselves to gain confidence. Solo travel affords a break from day-to-day responsibilities and provides a new freedom to explore the unknown and pursue passion areas.

This directly affects the travel industry and the new trends and offerings we're seeing from hotel companies to better adapt to the needs of consumers, especially women who have both autonomy and strong purchasing power.

Lori Simms, Deputy Director for Tourism with the Missouri Division of Tourism, has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Learn as much as you can about all segments of the industry. Then look to fill a niche that's previously not been served. The intersection of tech and travel has changed the way people travel. Shared media platforms have allowed groups of people who previously have been overlooked, to come together. Find a way to serve those groups and help them see the world and you could become the next big thing in travel.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

It's better to ask forgiveness than permission. Not everyone will see this as positive advice, but to me, it means, be fearless. Set your direction and go!

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Throughout my years in the travel industry, women have been in the room. From corporate C suites to working from home as a one-woman shop, women have made their own opportunities.

Now, I see women creating new opportunities by taking what's always been here and turning it upside down. E.g., there are several travel groups on shared platforms that encourage women (particularly women of color) to explore the world. While that woman may not have been comfortable going off the beaten path by herself, now she has a ready-made group of sisters to go with.

I'm seeing a lot of women become certified travel agents as a side hustle to their full-time jobs. Entrepreneurial women are turning these opportunities into businesses that are reshaping the travel industry.

While Lizzie Cole is currently the Executive Director of Promotion of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, she has held several positions in Quintana Roo including the Tourism Secretariat, PR and Communications Director and as the CEO of the Cancun CVB.

Any advice for girls and women who want to be successful in the travel industry?

The travel industry is one of the kindest areas of development for women of all ages. My advice would be, if you are passionate about travel and tourism and you want to make this industry your way of life, be dedicated, highly professional and reliable and get to know as much as possible about the product or service you are selling. If you feel inspired by what you do, you will for sure be an inspiration for others, whether these others are clients, superiors or co-workers.

The most useful piece of career advice you've ever received?

Do not take anything personally. Sometimes, decisions are made, changes happen and things don`t always go your way. Learn the ability to keep doing your best in any situation.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I believe women have come to be at the top of this industry and I see that the future will bring still better opportunities for women to flourish in the many areas of the travel industry.

Kristin Campbell is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Hilton, making her responsible for leading Hilton's global legal and compliance functions including oversight for board of directors and corporate governance work, regulatory compliance, ethics programs and investigations, privacy, commercial transactions and litigation, labor and employment.

Advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

When you work for a company that reflects your ideals and champions your beliefs, you're laying the groundwork for long-term success. Knowing who you are and standing by your values will take you a long way in hospitality, or any industry, for that matter.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Early in my career, a mentor advised me to 'always do your research, and once you have confidence in your position, trust your instincts.' This advice has been a great reminder to balance due diligence and hard work with smart risk-taking.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

It's great to see more women taking on leadership and management roles in our industry. At Hilton for example, we have extraordinary women blazing paths at every level, including heading up some of our biggest brands and serving as General Managers in markets where women are traditionally underrepresented.

And regardless of job title, I am proud to work for a company that is so intensely focused on creating a great place to work for all-a place where women can thrive, from our housekeepers to our executives.

Neha Parikh is the President of Hotwire and previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Global Brands and Retail at Hotels.com.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

My general advice when trying to make it big in any industry is thinking about what you love to do in your personal life and turn it into your career. If you do that, you will never look back.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

I've been lucky enough throughout my career to have received some great of advice from my mentors and colleagues, it's tough to narrow down to one so here are a few of my favorites!

-Think more about who you want to work for, rather than (only) what you want to do. Find the smartest, most talented person and well-respected person around you and work for them because you are guaranteed to grow from the experience.

-There's no such thing as work-life balance because balance implies you can do two things equally. Be deliberate on where you choose to lean in and when, and don't second guess yourself.

-Sometimes you have to go sideways to move up. There are many benefits of taking lateral moves, particularly across functions or geographies, across brands to learn.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

The majority of decisions and purchasing in the travel industry are made by women. So it's only natural that women should be a leading force in the industry. It is great to see that's exactly what is starting to happen.

Monique Fragua is Vice President of Commercial Enterprises for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) and thanks to her tenacity and commitment, she has developed tourism programs for her hometown of Jemez Pueblo and driven successful economic opportunities in the IPCC business and cultural corridor of Albuquerque.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Listen. Listen to what the guest needs to ensure that you are creating experiences that will impact them, leave lasting memories and meet their needs. Listen to yourself and consider your own background and experience when putting packages and experiences together. You know your own culture, heritage and neighborhood better than anyone else, and by being a tourist in your own back yard, you'll be able to craft experiences that can inspire.

By listening to trends and what's happening-you'll develop the skills needed to always be at the forefront of what people are wanting to see and experience.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Most useful career advice came in the form of a question: Would you rather be liked or respected?

Being liked can be equated to making the popular decision. Being respected is making the difficult but fair decision. Working within the travel industry, we're creating experiences and memories for people to cherish. We need to be able to think quickly on our feet and make difficult decisions when working for guests.

Another piece of advice I received: Just because the calendar says it's Saturday, don't act like it's Saturday. In the tourism industry, our teams are often working 7 days a week to execute. We need to understand this and be ready for what's needed regardless of the day of the week.

What are they seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

In my line of work, I've seen the travel industry change to incorporate cultural tourism. Experience-based opportunities incorporated right alongside food experiences, shopping and relaxation.

Rachel Browne, General Manager at the luxury Hermitage Bayin Antigua has been in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry for over 25 years and has held Senior management positions within the sector in both hotel and tourism policy-making.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

My advice to young girls would be simply to find your passion and follow your heart, no matter what the situation. Hard work and a drive to succeed are all you really need.

When I started out in the hospitality industry there were not many women of color in management positions and even today you rarely see a Caribbean woman managing a luxury hotel-but I never let those statistics stop me on my path. Today, I couldn't be more proud to be at the helm of Hermitage Bay and to manage an all-Caribbean staff. Motivating them keeps me motivated too!

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

My grandmother always told me I should strive to be impeccable with my words. As a result, I try and always think before I speak and to treat others with respect when I talk to them. This has served me well in this industry as it helps in developing trust between myself, staff and guests of the resort.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I am fortunate enough to have strong female colleagues with whom I work with daily, and others whom I collaborate with outside the hotel, in the tourism sector. Women I've had the pleasure of working with, and whom I've met in my travels, seem to bring an innate sense of community and belonging to the industry.

They also encourage more women to join the industry and I believe there are more women in top positions today than when I started in this field and those numbers will continue to grow moving forward.

Claudia Velo, the Director of Marketing of Rancho San Lucas, has achieved a very high level of specialization in the development, implementation and adaptation of creative and marketing concepts for the North American and Latin American markets.

Any advice for girls and women who want to be successful in the travel industry?

The travel industry demands great commitment in terms of time and dedication. It is an industry that never sleeps; you need to learn to time block and be very efficient with your time.

The most useful piece of career advice you've ever received?

Related to handling problems that arise in the day to day operation: the secret to success is dealing with every situation in a professional way, and always thinking about what is the best option for the client, while staying focused on the goals and objectives of the company you represent. It is not about giving away a bunch of free stuff, but about providing the best service and experience within reasonable expectations. Always be willing to explain a situation. Always smile. Always keep your client informed.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Women bring heart to the travel industry. We are in an industry that offers experiences and when you provide experiences that are authentic and offered from the heart, everyone wins.

Founder of MuchPR, a New York-based travel, hospitality and LGBTQ PR company, Tanya Churchmuch is an industry-recognized expert in LGBTQ travel and is the Past-Chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Travel as much as you can and make an effort to meet other women who are involved in the travel industry wherever you go. Learn through what they're doing and support them whenever you can. By creating your personal and professional network, you'll develop relationships that will be there for you throughout your entire career.

Also, consider volunteering for travel industry organizations that you are passionate about. My volunteer work with IGLTA has opened so many doors for me over the years.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

To be my authentic self. There aren't many openly lesbian women in leadership positions in the travel industry and I was worried that by just being me, it might hamper my career opportunities. In the end, the exact opposite thing happened. Being openly lesbian has actually brought me more opportunities and connected me to really amazing people in the travel industry who've supported me in my career.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

There are so many women who work in the travel industry, but we don't see enough of us at the top levels of travel and tourism companies. How many women do you know who are Presidents or CEOs of airlines? Or hotel chains? Or DMOs? There are a few, but there are many, many more men.

I see this as an opportunity more than anything else. We'll have to continue our hard work to get more women in those roles, but I believe in today's society there is an awareness of this imbalance, and a desire to rectify the situation. But we also need men in our industry to acknowledge this imbalance and to be part of the solution.

Robin A. McClain, a Washington metropolitan native, serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Destination DC (DDC), where she leads DDC's efforts to generate interest and visitation to Washington D.C.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

If you know you want to work in the travel industry, take advantage of as many internship opportunities as possible to get your foot in the door. Networking is key-meet new people, build relationships, go to events and follow-up with thoughtful queries and thank you notes.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

"You may be able to do it all, but you don't have to." This is advice that my boss, Elliott Ferguson, CEO and president of DDC, once told me.

As I continue to grow in my role, managing a diverse and dynamic 18-member team, I've learned to entrust my talented colleagues with work that I am confident they can accomplish and that will challenge them. Learning to entrust the skilled individuals you have around you and giving them the opportunity to grow allows me to grow as a manager.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I work with many amazing women in leadership positions at Destination DC-three female vice presidents and five female directors out of a senior team of 12 individuals. These women are smart, savvy and hard-working. As leading women in the travel sphere, we work to challenge each other and ultimately, we want the best for one another. With that as a goal, I think we all benefit.

Valerie Pagan has 20+ years in the hospitality industry and is currently the Director of Sales for Playa Largo Resort & Spa, the number one resort in the Florida Keys.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Be patient in your growth and in the positions you take. You have to learn as much as you can in every area possible.

In middle school, I impressed my math teacher with my work so much within the first week of school that she advanced me to Algebra 2. I was excited and proud of myself. The first few weeks were fine, but week after week it was harder. They were discussing things that I should have learned in Algebra 1, but since I was moved up I didn't learn them and my teacher assumed I knew them.

In the next months, I quietly tried to catch up with my peers on my own, but ultimately I was doing so badly that I had to ask to be moved back to Algebra 1. It wasn't that I wasn't "smart," I just wasn't ready-and because of that, I was drowning. I lost a semester of that year and when I moved back to Algebra 1 my class was still ahead of me because I wasn't there to learn the material covered. It took a while to get back on track and if I would have stayed in Algebra 1 I would have been at the top of my class that year.

Trust the steps, the positions, the work that it takes to get to the career goals that you want. Be patient. Work for them. Trust me when I say if they are given to you before you are truly ready, you will fail and it will take you longer to get to your destination. There is no Pass Go card in this business.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Find a job you are passionate about, turn that into a career and always think like an owner no matter what your title is.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I always love seeing women in high-level executive positions, but I recently stayed at a hotel that had black washcloths with the words "Make-up Remover" on them. I thought that was brilliant and it showed me that women even inspire cool amenities in hotels. It may seem like a silly thing, but in just two days, I overheard 100+ women in that hotel raving about that "cool black washcloth!"

Karolin Troubetzkoy is the Executive Director, Marketing and Operations of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, and has held notable appointments such as the President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association from 2016-2018 and the President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Tourism is one of the world's largest sectors and fortunately, it is one which offers many opportunities for women. Most tourism companies with 10 or fewer employees are owned and run by women, so there is no other major economic sector which has so many openings for women's employment and their advancement.

However, in the larger tourism entities, there remain old gender attitudes which often do not recognize the true value of women. If you are going into this larger corporate world, don't allow yourself to be stereotyped. Educate yourself, you'll find many institutions offer free online classes.

Women can drift or be squeezed into service positions but they should assert themselves and go for executive and professional roles. The biases against women are often subconscious-the more we seek these higher positions the more we are retraining the "old guard" who may not even be aware of their prejudices.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Don't give up easily. Show some tenacity and perseverance on the way up especially when a job is not entirely the right one.

I find that mentors can play an important role in shaping someone's career and may even encourage someone to eventually become a mentor themselves. Some time ago I moderated a Women and Leadership Forum at CHIEF, the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum. The panel of women leaders was amazing and we came up with the slogan "Each One to Teach One".

As I was taught: to succeed, you actually have to like people and get satisfaction from making them happy, meeting their wants and needs. But I was also reminded that you can't do that unless the business is thriving, so never neglect the financial side.

You don't have to like everybody you come across, but this is an industry which values courtesy, efficiency and welcoming people, so train yourself to display all or most of those characteristics when dealing with the public. You are welcoming strangers into your home.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

No longer are travel destinations and hotels the masculine drab of yore. Women's influence has made the hospitality and travel industries more sensitive to individual's needs. Hotels and resorts have become more relaxed and a lot of effort goes into design and into culinary offerings. But I would still like to see more women architects design hotels and hotel rooms.

Business is no longer the focus of most travel, and business people are much more likely to take their spouses and significant others on business trips. Wellness is an indispensable element of most resorts. The explosion of wedding tourism has introduced entire families to travel and destinations they would not have considered a decade ago.

In the Caribbean, Caribbean women have been at the fore our tourism and hospitality industries for years. Latin America and the Caribbean lead the world with the largest proportion of women working in tourism. However, they are still concentrated in service and administrative positions (63 percent), as compared to professional and managerial levels (36 percent). And women earn between 10 percent and 15 percent less than their male colleagues.

But on the bright side, there are almost twice as many women entrepreneurs in tourism than any other sector (51 percent). Despite the gaps, we see more women, in particular, Caribbean nationals, moving into high positions and entrepreneurial roles. We have also benefited from some extremely capable women leaders in the regional industry showing the potential as more women move into leadership positions. This is already happening and I'm confident the trend will continue.

Lita Aguirre is the general manager of Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa and brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of the hotel industry, as well as notable accomplishments like the HERO Hotel Award for taking care of her hotel associates and guests during Mexico City's Earthquake.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

I believe that women are capable of reaching any executive level position in the travel industry, thanks to qualities like determination, organizational skills and commitment. It is important for women to develop confidence-this comes from preparation, knowledge, expanding vision and experience, which are all important in order to be comfortable leading teams and making decisions.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Contribute to the success of the organization by bringing solutions, be open to new ideas and embrace change.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Women are bringing a new approach to the travel industry, they are willing to take opportunities and explore possibilities which contribute to our organizations. At the same time, develop the talent of young female leaders that have the potential to advance in their careers; we are leaders that enjoy developing new leaders.

Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki owns and operates Marrakech Food Tours, a food tour company which helps English speaking tourists experience authentic Moroccan food.

Advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

Ignore all of the negative advice you'll get (because you WILL get a lot) and focus on your goals. Stay true to who you are and don't get swallowed up in chasing the next trend or trying to be what others think you should be. Network! You never know who you may meet that can form a friendship or be of help.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

"You'll never make it now." Being told that I wasn't good enough or that my life choices made it impossible for me to be successful were the biggest drivers in making me want to prove those people wrong. It's what pushes me every day to do more for myself.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

I think women are bringing a new sense of creativity and innovativeness to travel. They recognize women have different wants and needs and there are gaps in the market that can be filled with this knowledge.

Sarah Casewit co-founded Naya Traveler in 2016 because she wanted to create something that spoke to her on a personal level, with authentic cultural experiences, and allowed her to connect with my childhood growing up in Morocco.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

It is very important to know when to be humble, but also when to be bold when striving to make a career in the travel industry. Starting your own venture is a difficult task in any field you choose, but the travel industry can be particularly cut-throat given the rise of small boutique travel companies.

I benefited greatly from learning from my managers before I eventually left and took a leap of faith. I took it upon myself to try and understand how everything worked, from filing taxes to setting up the printer at the office and everything in between. There always comes a moment when you know it's time to be brave and believe in your plans; you have to catch the fleeting moment before it passes.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

I was speaking with a Fortune 500 CEO for whom I had organized a trip to Brazil and before I even mentioned that I was considering starting my own business, it was as if he could sense my excitement. He said: "Before you decide to make the big jump, make sure you know how to run a travel company from A to Z and know that no task is beneath you. Get ready to take on big challenges and enjoy the ride."

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry? \

Women have long been the pioneers of the travel industry, leading the way as travel advisors and agents, but many under the leadership of male professionals. Today, however, the industry is experiencing a wave of young women taking on the travel world by a storm, launching their own ventures with unique concepts tailored to women and other specialty journeys.

Catherine Baird is the Senior Vice-President of Cabin Crew Training at Emirates and has been in the airline and travel industry for over 30 years.

Advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

My best advice is to develop an authentic personal brand and build a network. Networking can be a huge help in uncovering opportunities, connecting with different people of all experience levels, building your confidence and it increases your visibility in the organization. Don't forget though, networking is two-way-you need to be generous in your support of colleagues to build sustainable networks.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

I would say the most useful piece of career advice I have ever received was to remain curious and humble. I've discovered that the greatest insight often comes from the most unexpected people and places! Be courageous in seeking feedback and always be open to learning-both are critical for you to grow. Seek out mentors, both female and male, who will provide you with different and challenging perspectives. The people I admire lead with clarity, compassion, courage and integrity.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Aviation is a dynamic, challenging, ever-changing and demanding industry. The industry has people at its heart. There is a growing recognition of the value of diversity within the travel industry at all levels of the business and we're seeing women taking on more leadership roles. Women can bring a new perspective. This is also projecting to female travelers and it is inspiring to see the increase in independent women traveling the world!

Jacquie Whitt, 62, is the co-founder of Adios Adventure Travel, a boutique tour operator in business since 2009 with offices in Virginia and Cusco, Peru.

Any advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

My advice for making it in the travel industry is to be true to yourself, follow your passion and carefully handpick a couple of key trustworthy people to work with. Focus on doing a good job now and the rest will fall into place later. You can't force "fame & fortune." If your goal is to be happy and help others be happy, then you will have a fulfilling and productive life. There is no greater achievement.

The most useful piece of career advice they ever received?

Take responsibility for your actions with dignity and honor. Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle your mistakes will set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Only you can take away your integrity.

What are they seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

In the U.S. and western culture, female consumers are driving the latest trends in the travel industry. Solo travel is popular among women of all ages and I've noticed young women, who typically have the least amount of disposable income, learning the ropes to maximize their access to coveted miles and points.

Tech-savvy young women are also cleverly learning how to combine travel and work so they earn income on the move. They are finding themselves through their travels and they value experiences more than things.

Cinzia Panella is the Director of Sales & Marketing, Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa and has been working in the hospitality field for more than 22 years in Italy.

The most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Growth comes from experience-experience in multiple companies, hotels and positions, etc. Don't stay stagnant. To understand the hotel industry better and faster, you have to understand the various positions and how intricate the industry can be. Educate yourself, work your way from the bottom up. You'll appreciate the work you put in when you get to your goal even more.

What are they seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

Women care about the thoughtful details; we don't just want a vacation to be about the room suites; we want it to be about the experience and the memorable impressions we leave. At Renaissance Tuscany, women have pushed to create experiences that showcase an off-the-beaten-path destination. We want guests to experience the real Italy, and we work to create those experiences for our guests.

Originally from the U.S., Stacy Readal visited Tanzania in 1998 and was so inspired that she founded Duma Explorer, a safari and trekking company with a local partner, and later in 2012, Chaka Camps, which now operates tented camps in Tanzania's national parks.

Your advice for girls and women who want to make it big in the travel industry?

To take risks and not be afraid to go after what you want. Nothing is off limits! Be self-confident and don't be afraid to promote yourself.

The most useful piece of career advice you've ever received?

To do what you love! In my opinion, when you are doing something that you are passionate about you will usually be successful. It is easier to work hard at something you enjoy. To not be afraid to take risks.

When I was in business school, a professor advised me to not continue with my safari company, that I would never make money at it. I did not listen to his advice and moved permanently to Tanzania to run my safari company. I have since been successful enough in my first business that I was able to start a second company-a hotel company!

I now own three luxury tented camps in addition to my safari company. Yes, I worked very hard for a long time and had to overcome many obstacles in a male-dominated culture. Maintaining a positive attitude and working with the culture helped make sometimes difficult challenges easier. I also believe that bringing a female perspective to a male-dominated industry allowed me to differentiate my company and be successful.

What are you seeing when it comes to the way that women are shaping the travel industry?

In my experience running tours, women are usually the ones who book trips and plan travel. They are already shaping the travel industry just by their involvement in the selection process of trips, tour companies and hotels.

When I started my second company, Chaka Camps, I had female customers specifically in mind. As I knew they were usually the ones selecting hotels, I designed our properties to appeal more to women. I used a lighter, softer touch in the design rather than heavy leathers and dark colors typical of safari camps at the time.