by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 5:05 PM ET, Mon November 9, 2026
A beloved industry icon was recognized with a 2026 Travvy Hall of Fame Award this year at the event’s annual gala ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group for more than two decades, received the honor bestowed by Northstar Travel Group at the 12th annual Travvy Awards, an event that fetes the travel industry’s top leaders and suppliers, including destinations, hotels, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators, and more.
Friedman's friend and longtime industry colleague, Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, presented the award. Ritzenthaler delivered an emotional tribute, nearly coming to tears twice, as she described Friedman’s accomplishments and her impact on the travel industry.
“What makes Jackie so incredibly special is that if you ask Jackie what she’s most proud of, she will not say those awards. She will not say the career she’s had. She will say it’s her people,” said Ritzenthaler. “Seeing her entire team become incredible leaders. Watching independent travel advisors start a thriving business. And creating an environment where people full supported and valued and something bigger than themselves.”
Friedman began her career as a travel advisor and then went on to work in sales for Sabre for nearly seven years before joining Nexion, where she eventually rose to president. After 22 years with Nexion, Friedman is preparing to retire. But as Ritzenthaler pointed out during Thursday’s Travvy’s ceremony, Friedman won’t soon be forgotten.
“As Jackie starts now to enter into her extremely well deserved retirement she will leave an extraordinary legacy with each and every one of us,” Ritzenthaler said.
“People will remember you for generations to come because you have taught us all that the true meaning of leadership is not what you accomplish, it’s how many people you make successful in this business.”
Jackie Friedman, 2026 Hall of Fame Recipient
As she accepted her Hall of Fame award, Friedman reflected on her four decades in the travel industry and what mattered most during that time.
“What I’m not going to stress on isn’t the places that I’ve been or the positions I’ve held,” began Friedman. “It really is the people. This industry is something really special. The relationships and the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives and careers of others.”
Friedman, the longtime head of a host agency, said she’s been incredibly fortunate to spend much of her career helping travel advisors build successful businesses and turn dreams into realities they never thought possible.
“Knowing I’ve been able to play even the smallest role in some of these successes is my greatest professional joy,” continued Friedman.
Friedman praised her team and colleagues at Nexion and Internova Travel Group, Nexion’s parent company, for supporting her and helping create the success she has spearheaded.
In an emotional moment, Friedman turned the spotlight on her 94-year-old mother, who made the journey to the Travvy Awards to watch her daughter accept the award.
Before concluding her speech, Friedman reflected on what her impending retirement might bring.
“After so many years, it’s not going to be easy. And I know that. But I [retire] knowing that Nexion’s future is in amazing hands. With an extraordinary team and a culture that is built on relationships, community, and helping others succeed,” said Friedman, adding: “I’ve often said that travel industry gets into your blood and there is no cure. But the good news is that I have no intention of looking for one. While my role will change, my connection to this industry and the people in it will not.”
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