Empowering women: Pioneers of the travel industry

“For International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, let’s #InspireInclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world and when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.” IWD 2024

In a world where exploration knows no bounds, women have been at the forefront, breaking barriers and shaping the landscape of the travel industry. Where innovation and leadership converge, these women stand as pioneers, navigating the dynamic landscape of the travel industry with resilience and grace.

From astute industry leaders to accomplished Travel Advisors, these trailblazers are shaping the narrative, steering the course for a future where women in the travel sector not only thrive but redefine the norms. Join us in acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable contributions of inspirational women who have elevated the travel industry, proving that strength, ambition, and excellence have no boundaries.

The ascendance of women in the travel industry

The narrative of the travel sector has been progressively redefined and shaped over the years by the indomitable spirit and leadership of women. Now, the travel industry holds a strong place for women, with 76% of travel agents being women according to Travel Pulse statistics [1]. Their ascent is not merely a change in demographic distribution, but a testament to the courage and determination of women breaking barriers. The influence of women has infused the travel industry with refreshing perspectives and innovative strategies that have proven crucial to its evolution and growth.

The importance of inspirational women in leadership cannot be overstated, as their impact extends far beyond their immediate roles. Women leaders serve as trailblazers, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. Their accomplishments not only showcase the vast potential of women in leadership positions but also challenge preconceived notions about gender roles. Inspirational women in leadership positions bring diverse perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation within organizations. They serve as powerful mentors and role models, guiding aspiring leaders and imparting invaluable lessons on resilience, determination, and compassion.

In a world striving for equality, the presence of inspirational women in leadership is a catalyst for positive change, breaking down barriers and contributing to the evolution of inclusive and equitable workplaces. Their influence transcends industries, sparking a collective shift towards recognizing and harnessing the untapped potential of women in leadership roles worldwide.

Inspirational women at 1000 Mile Travel Group speak

Lauren Gray, 1000MTG, General Manager Australia: “I feel incredibly proud to be part of an organization with such a strong breadth of female leadership. From Co-founder and CEO Nicola Ross to my fellow peers, Christy Shafer, who leads North America, and Alex Locke, who leads the UK. All three women are incredibly successful and inspire me every day.”

Christy Shafer, 1000MTG, Senior Vice President and General Manager North America: “My biggest achievement in my career is the role I’m in now, I am very fortunate to be in the role and constantly working with our team and network to improve offerings to help make our advisors more successful. I am very passionate about what I do and very competitive. I’m a wife and a mom to two teen daughters and there are times when it is very difficult to be present and available to everyone, but I enjoy every piece of it and look forward to what is ahead for our network and industry.”

Alex Locke, 1000MTG General Manager UK: “My career in the travel industry started after visiting a friend at her place of work – a travel agent specializing in Australasia and tailor-made holidays. After witnessing her at work I decided travel was my destiny and finally I had found my path. I think in this industry it is important to remain true to who you are and resist the pressure to be someone you are not to succeed. Overall, my proudest achievement is relocating to another country and establishing a new office and business as it resulted in an enormous growth experience and one, I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to take.”

Nicola Veltman, 1000MTG CEO and Co –founder: “My journey started after I finished studying journalism at university and decided to go on a big trip around the world. I went to a local travel agency and can still see the shop today and Kate who helped me plan the trip. I still remember the moment when I decided that I would change the course of my life and instead of becoming a journalist, upon returning from my trip I would apply for a job at a travel agency and that is exactly what I did. One of my biggest achievements is turning the idea of 1000MTG into a reality, providing a solution in the market that didn’t exist, surviving the pandemic, and seeing our founding vision of a global footprint.”

Strong women breaking barriers in travel

A wave of influential women has emerged in the travel industry, taking bold steps to establish their place in this competitive domain. These women have not just scaled new heights in their careers but have also shown other women that it’s possible to challenge and overcome gender stereotypes and industry barriers. The journeys of these powerful women underscore the role of resilience and tenacity in navigating the travel business. Their successes serve as a rallying point for other women, encouraging them to fearlessly pursue their dreams within this industry and beyond.

Let’s hear from our Independent Travel Advisors

Chrissy G, 1000MTG Affiliated Independent Travel Advisor: “A major part of being a successful travel advisor stems from knowledge, research, and strong communication skills. I think women have always felt the need to prove themselves in any industry, but since my entrance in the realm of travel the number of strong women that I have encountered has been amazing.”

Ivona S, 1000MTG Independent Travel Advisor: “One of my biggest achievements has been qualifying for the global awards during my first year in the industry. I have grown so much since then as well with rebuilding my business post pandemic with a renewed focus on serving my clients with excellence.”

Natalie H, 1000MTG Affiliated Independent Travel Advisor: “The allure of crafting memorable experiences for others ignited my passion for travel. It was truly a leap of faith, driven by the desire to explore endless possibilities and carve out a career that resonated deeply with my passion for travel.”

Empowerment in the travel industry

Empowering women within the travel sector involves a collective commitment to nurturing talent, embracing diversity, and crafting avenues for progression and success. With a senior leadership team comprising 80% female, 1000MTG is cultivating a setting that acknowledges and values the input of women at all levels.

Words of inspiration for women in the travel industry

Lauren G: “To young women aspiring to build a career in the travel industry, I would advise focusing on cultivating strong communication skills, building relationships and taking the time to invest in your own professional development.”

Christy S: “Be curious and talk to as many people as you can, you never know when opportunity will strike. It’s also important to be open to new roles and opportunities, our careers are rarely a straight line up – sometimes a lateral role will give you more insight and experience to make you better in your next role.“

Alex L: “Believe in your own journey, never doubt your capability – if you believe others are better, then you are empowering that thought, and not your own journey and what you need to do or learn to succeed.“

Ivona S: “The future is undoubtedly female. My hope is to witness female-led boards across airlines, female CEOs, and trailblazing women making their mark. To all the young women, I speak confidently on behalf of all of us at 1000MTG, we stick together. Together, we can continue to pave the way for female success and empowerment.”

Natalie H: “For young women embarking on their journey in the travel industry, my advice is simple yet profound: Find your passion and let it be your guiding light. Whether it’s in adventure travel, cultural immersion, or luxury escapes, embrace what ignites your soul and pursue it with unwavering determination. While the path may present its share of challenges, the opportunity to create enduring memories and fulfill dreams is an unparalleled reward.”

Nicola V, 1000MTG CEO and co-founder: “The world is your oyster and if you have a dream or goal set your sights on it and work out the building blocks along the way. Have a mentor(s) who you look up to in the industry and say yes and work out how. We all started at the beginning, and I always remember my first day in travel which is why I love helping others achieve their goals.”

Chrissy G: “If you are passionate about what you do, the rest is easy. 1000MTG has numerous training programs that will help you to build your business. Read! Fueling yourself with knowledge from industry publications will help to keep you apprised of what’s happening in the world of travel. Also, market your services over your products. Anyone can book online, but what do you as an advisor bring to the table? The answer should be knowledge and support; your travel expertise is the secret sauce to success in this industry.”

The goal of women’s empowerment

The travel industry recognizes the vital role of women’s empowerment in creating a space where they can flourish, lead, and innovate with confidence. Empowering women means fostering an environment that allows for the full expression of their capabilities, insights, and potential, while challenging and dismantling biases that have long hampered their progress in the industry.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council [2], effective policies for increasing women’s employment in travel and tourism include promoting equal access to opportunities and education, reducing the gender pay gap, encouraging flexible work arrangements, and combatting unconscious bias. Furthermore, providing attractive childcare, tax, social benefits, maternity protection, and incentives for returning to work can encourage women’s entrepreneurship and facilitate equal access to start-up grants.

By implementing these policies and initiatives, the travel industry can tap into the unique perspectives, ideas, and strategies that women bring to the table. It also contributes to broader societal progress by breaking down barriers and opening opportunities for all women in all sectors. By prioritizing the empowerment of women in travel, we not only ensure the growth and advancement of the industry but also drive forward the progress of women everywhere.

How 1000MTG inspires inclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of the travel industry, 1000 Mile Travel Group stands as a beacon of inspiration, fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment. 1000MTG not only champions entrepreneurship but also encourages the freedom to work from anywhere. Embracing the essence of flexible work arrangements, financial independence, and a diverse, collaborative community, we are at the forefront of transforming the traditional paradigms of travel advisory. By transcending conventional boundaries, we’re inspiring a new generation of travel advisors to embrace innovation, break free from the constraints of traditional office settings, and forge their unique paths toward success in the world of travel entrepreneurship.

Nicola V: “It’s given me a platform and a voice to help other people and women become successful in their own rights. Enable mums and parents who were returning to work and into an industry that at the time didn’t necessarily support this transition to a platform, blueprint, and ability to do this. My children have grown up with the business and the business has grown up with them. Having my children, two of whom are daughters see what is possible is the most empowering of all.”

Lauren G: ” As a woman in the travel industry, 1000MTG has been an incredible source of empowerment, providing me with a network of like-minded professionals, access to invaluable resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

Christy S: “1000MTG has given me the opportunity to lead a team, work with global counterparts, and be a part of industry advisory boards. I’m thankful for all the opportunities this role and the company has provided.”

Alex L: “With all of my travel experience in differing roles, from booking agent to global customer management, corporate, and leisure, 1000 Mile Travel has allowed me to bring all of that experience into one exciting position to create a thriving and unique business model, offering experienced travel experts the work lifestyle they desire and deserve.”

Ivona S: “Having mostly females in 1000MTG leadership is invaluable. Being able to bounce ideas off, lean on, and turn to for support tends to feel more like a sisterhood than a working relationship, and it’s beautiful because it gives me the comfort to have the same conversations with our General Manager, Lauren, as I would with a friend. In addition, 1000MTG is a community and I truly see it as a family because we support each other through the lows and celebrate each other’s successes and highs. The empowerment comes from knowing that you are understood and that there will be someone who can relate and help you navigate obstacles or challenges that this business brings.”

Natalie H: “1000MTG has played a pivotal role in empowering me as a woman in the travel industry. Their robust support framework provided the solid foundation I needed to thrive in an inherently competitive landscape. Guided by their expertise, I’ve been able to infuse my creativity and passion into our services, thereby creating experiences that resonate profoundly with our clients on a deeply personal level.”

Chrissy G: “As a woman, I have always felt empowered with this organization as there have been – and continue to be – strong women throughout the organization.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in the Travel Industry

In an already female dominated industry, there is an increase in female leaders steering the industry’s course, further cultivating a landscape of innovation and transformation. The industry’s understanding of the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce is opening doors for women to not just participate, but to excel and influence change.

International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities that arise when we encourage inclusion. At 1000 Mile Travel Group we are committed to fostering an environment where every woman, whether in leadership, a travel advisor or a client exploring the world, feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

As we continue our journey of breaking barriers and building bridges, let’s embrace the richness that comes from diversity, ensuring that the spirit of inclusion becomes an integral part of every travel experience. Happy International Women’s Day!

Reference

[1]- The State of Gender Equality in the Travel Industry by Travel Pulse (2019)

[2]- World Travel and Tourism Council, Driving Women’s Success (2019)