Celebrating Leading Ladies Trailblazing New Paths in Travel and Tourism

There’s no better time to highlight the trailblazing women who play a pivotal role in shaping the travel and tourism landscape. In a world where adventure knows no bounds, we proudly present a captivating showcase of leading ladies whose indomitable spirit, visionary leadership, and boundless passion are propelling the industry to new heights.

From innovative entrepreneurs to visionary executives and community champions, these remarkable women embody the essence of empowerment in tourism.

Christianna Mavroidi, COO of Zeus International

Zeus International Hotel & Resorts, one of Europe’s leading hospitality and hotel management companies, recognizes diversity as the enabling force behind their ability to deliver innovative forward-thinking concepts which offer original guest experiences inspired by the local culture and surroundings of each property within its portfolio.

The company boasts an impressive workforce composition, with 70% women and 30% men, with women accounting for 21% of management.

Speaking about the company’s emphasis on diversity, Christianna Mavroidi, COO of Zeus International, shares, “At Zeus International Group, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of our ethos and the driving force behind our innovative approach. We firmly believe embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents is not only essential for fostering a vibrant workplace, but also paramount to our success in an ever-evolving industry. Their invaluable contributions not only enrich our business but also inspire creativity, collaboration, and excellence at every level. Together, we continue to break barriers, push boundaries, and redefine hospitality for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Mavroidi is a trilingual seasoned professional with over two decades of tourism management experience and deep experience working with leading international hotel brands. She joined Zeus International Group’s leadership team in 2017 and has since played an integral role in establishing the company as a leader within the luxury hospitality industry.

Sandra Carvão, Chief of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness, UN Tourism

Sandra Carvão has served as UN Tourism’s Chief of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness since June 2018. In this role, she spearheads the organization’s Best Tourism Villages initiative. Launched in 2021, the program is a global initiative seeking to highlight outstanding rural villages around the world where tourism contributes to preserving cultural heritage, celebrating diversity, creating job opportunities, and protecting biodiversity.

Each year, a new collection of shortlisted villages is unveiled, presenting international travelers with truly off-the-beaten-path locations and unique experiences in lesser-known destinations.

Speaking about the initiative, Carvão shares, “At UN Tourism, our rural development program and the Best Tourism Villages initiative stand as pillars of support for women-led enterprises and entrepreneurs worldwide. By fostering sustainable tourism practices in rural communities, the program aims to empower women to become catalysts for economic growth and social progress. Through access to training, resources, and market opportunities, we’re not only advancing gender equality but also unlocking the untapped potential of women as key drivers of inclusive and resilient tourism development.”

In Lephis, Ethiopia, the Mishike Handicraft Association has been established to prioritize underrepresented women and the unemployed, particularly in the handicraft production and selling business. This association, predominantly run by women, creatively utilizes local grass and bamboo trees to craft artistic ornaments, leading to economic benefits that transform families’ lives.

Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director of UK & Northern Europe, Jamaica Tourist Board

Elizabeth Fox is the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Regional Director for UK/Northern Europe, overseeing the promotion of Jamaica’s tourism industry in the UK, Irish, and Nordic regions. She leads relations with advertising and PR partners to ensure optimum visitor arrivals and an increase in annual market share for the destination. She has been with the Jamaica Tourist Board since her appointment in 2005 and now has more than 19 years building knowledge and expertise on Jamaica.

Fox’s contributions to the industry exemplify the strength and leadership of women in the field. Her commitment and dedication to the Jamaica Tourist Board has played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s growth, with the island welcoming over four million visitors in 2023, marking a remarkable 17.8% increase from 2022; the year during which Jamaica established itself as the number one Caribbean destination among Brits.

Jamaica has an abundance to offer explorers such as its unique culture, cuisine, music, breathtaking nature, and wellness offerings. Despite its small size, Jamaica possesses a captivating character that has left an indelible impact on the world. It stands as the birthplace of reggae, a genre that has resonated with audiences globally, and boasts the legendary Bob Marley as one of its own. Furthermore, Jamaica is renowned for producing the world’s finest coffee, the esteemed Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, cultivated in the lush Blue and John Crow Mountains. Jamaica is the perfect holiday destination for all, from families to couples to friends and solo travelers, the island is a great all-rounder.

Pulse Hotels & Resorts

Pulse Hotels & Resorts, a true trailblazer in the Maldivian hospitality scene, continues to redefine industry norms by empowering female talent and championing diversity. Since its inception in 2015, Pulse has been at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing hospitality while actively fostering the careers of women in the traditionally male-dominated tourism sector in the Maldives. Integral to the teams both on the ground and at the head offices of active lifestyle resort, Kandima Maldives, and its newer soulful sister resort, Nova Maldives, the team is diverse, dynamic, and committed to paving the way to greater female representation from entry to leadership level.

Exemplifying Pulse Resorts’ dedication to female leadership, there are two talents within the company whose journeys showcase Pulse’s dedication to empowerment. Nashra Hassan’s journey from assistant manager, Digital Marketing in 2021 to deputy director, Brand Communication and Digital Marketing in 2023 highlights a commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent.

Similarly, Hawwa Nazima, Director – Group Procurement Division, joined as Manager Central Purchasing in 2021, rose to General Manager in 2022 and achieved her current position in 2023. Two years of exceptional growth underscore Pulse’s dedication to advancing female careers.

Danae & Konstantina Orfanake, Co-Founders of ACRO Suites & Seaside a Lifestyle Resort

As a family-owned group of hotels nestled in the heart of Crete, Greece, Omicron Hotels takes immense pride in its genuine Greek hospitality. Founded by Danae and Konstantina Orfanake, the vision is rooted in welcoming guests with warmth and attentiveness, crafting an unparalleled hospitality experience straight from the heart.

Growing up within the hospitality industry, their journey has been shaped by their family’s values and the rich cultural tapestry of their beloved Crete. With each of the hotels boasting its own distinctive personality, the commitment to high service standards remains unwavering. From the tranquil 5* wellness haven of ACRO Suites to the luxurious adults-only retreat of Seaside a Lifestyle Resort, the commitment to high service standards remains unwavering, ingrained deeply within their core family values.

At ACRO Suites, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a culture of wellbeing and self-care amidst the staggering Cretan cliffside overlooking the Aegean Sea. The resort’s contemporary and luxury bohemian flair, complemented by natural elements, offers a tranquil escape for those seeking rejuvenation. Meanwhile, Seaside a Lifestyle Resort, situated in Agia Pelagia, Crete, stands as a testament to Danae and Konstantina’s commitment to excellence. With its magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and array of amenities including private pools, diverse restaurants, and a Cave Spa offering nourishing treatments, the resort embodies sophistication and refinement.

Collaborating closely with local designers and craftspeople, they honor their roots and cherish their natural surroundings. This connection to their heritage allows them to seamlessly integrate elements of the local landscape into every aspect of their projects, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience for their guests.

Looking towards the future, Danae and Konstantina are spearheading a brand-new hotel concept set to launch in 2024. With sustainability at the forefront of their endeavors, they’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious hospitality.

Alka Winter, VP of Marketing and Communications, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

In her role as the VP of Marketing and Communications at RAKTDA, Alka Winter is responsible for elevating the profile of Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost Emirate and one of the fastest growing destinations in the Middle East, to international audiences. Under her leadership, RAKTDA has just delivered a standout year of marketing and communications activities, with 11 national and international campaigns activated across 14 markets and reaching 478 million prospective travelers.

Winter boasts a 20-year track record in the travel and hospitality industry, specializing in corporate and strategic communications, as well as brand and tactical marketing. She has worked with major hotel chains such as Fairmont, Raffles, Swissotel, and Accor, where she managed a diverse portfolio of 30 brands and 350 hotels across 36 countries during her tenure.

Reflecting on the latest travel and tourism insights, Winter comments: “Reports show that 64% of international travelers are women. Therefore, as a tourism community, our goal is to continue raising further visibility of Ras Al Khaimah as a destination that can be explored by all types of travelers seeking unique and diverse travel experiences.”

A strong advocate for gender equality, Winter is immensely proud to live and work in the UAE – a leading country in gender equality in the region. The UAE had the highest number of women on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen in 2023 with 15 Emirati women on the list.

Winter continues, “I am privileged to serve as a longstanding female leader in the UAE, a leading country in gender equality. It is truly inspiring to witness the increasing number of women prepared to step into corporate leadership positions. Currently, women constitute 66% of the public sector workforce, with 30% holding senior management roles. I am proud to contribute to the region’s advancement towards gender parity. In my role at RAKTDA, it is a humbling honor to work towards creating more opportunities for women within the corporate and travel/tourism sector.”