These dynamos are carving a prominent path for future visionaries while helping rebuild the tourism industry’s culture

In a world where the horizon constantly shifts, a remarkable cadre of women are not just navigating the tourism industry—they’re charting a bold new course and redefining it all together. These individuals leave a lasting impact, and their stories will undoubtedly inspire entrepreneurs and future leaders worldwide. The glass ceilings have been shattered, and the pieces swept up. Let’s continue rebuilding the travel and tourism industry on the foundations of these tenacious, innovative and intrepid pioneers.

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Effective Leadership in Travel and Tourism

The year is 2024, and tourism is booming. But how? With fluctuating costs, international uncertainties and transportation woes, how are travelers excelling in their pursuit of life-changing experiences? We can contemplate that question all day or look directly at the source—travel and tourism leadership. Who are the impactful visionaries raising the bar for the sake of us mere travelers? In the spirit of celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of women throughout October, we’ve interviewed six diverse examples who are making waves in the industry

Smashing Through the Status Quo

What drives these women to pursue their goals and dreams in travel and tourism? Where did their career stories and travel chapters begin? Allow each of them to answer these questions and more as we dive into the world of tourism and the remarkable professionals changing all facets of the landscape.

Luisa Mendoza, Founder of Global Tourism Sports & Entertainment (GTSE), CEO of My TicketPro

Luisa Mendoza on Reimagining Sports Tourism

“Never underestimate your capacity for innovation or the power to challenge the status quo.” This is according to Luisa Mendoza, founder of Global Tourism Sports & Entertainment (GTSE), a unique organization specializing in tailored experiences for travelers integrating tourism with sports and entertainment. She’s also the CEO of My Ticket Pro, an innovative online ticketing gateway connecting sports and tourism for the ultimate user experience. “Embrace resilience; each setback presents an in valuable opportunity for growth—learn from every experience.” If anyone knows this to be accurate, it’s Luisa. With an everlasting desire to connect travelers with unique experiences and cultures, her interest in bridging the gap between sports and tourism became a successful mission with the creation of GTSE.

What drew her to this particular tourism sector besides the sheer inspiration to help others achieve their travel dreams? Luisa explains, “My drive to revolutionize sports marketing stemmed from recognizing an untapped synergy between tourism and sports—a sector often overlooked in traditional marketing strategies.” She divulges that during her tenure as Director of Global Tourism Development at BSE Global/NBA Brooklyn Nets—another prestigious accomplishment, “We created compelling narratives around sporting events that attracted tourists from around the globe.” Ultimately, fan engagement and sales have increased significantly thanks to Louisa’s tireless efforts.

Louisa’s Outstanding Achievements

  • Luisa is a brilliant asset and an invaluable contributor to the sports tourism landscape, and a voice for diversity and inclusion.
  • It’s no wonder the Microsoft Legacy Project named her an Industry Honoree, recognizing her as one of today’s most influential Hispanic Changemakers.
  • She also received the esteemed “Mujer Destacada” award at the Harvard Club in New York.

Morgan Mostrom, Community Manager for WeTravel

Innovating Global Travel with Morgan Mostrom

For Morgan Mostrom, Community Manager for WeTravel, “The amazing thing about working in this industry is that travel impacts so many parts of the world and can be used as a tool to create lasting change.” Along with helping fulfill life-changing experiences, Morgan and WeTravel have innovated yesterday’s traditional booking and payment tools along with several other advancements. “While WeTravel began as a payment platform primarily for student travel organizers, it has evolved significantly,” Morgan explains. “We now cater to all kinds of multi-day tour operators and group travel organizers, providing a comprehensive suite of tools that span beyond only collecting payments and managing bookings—from demand generation and lead capturing tools to keeping track of traveler requests and creating payment plans.”

Morgan dedicates her efforts to ensuring these tools reach as many people as possible. As WeTravel’s Community Manager, she creates resources that connect people, allow them to learn from one another and ultimately grow their businesses. “Travel has always been an integral part of my life,” she says. Fortunate to travel often and live in four different countries during her life, Morgan is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Tourism seems to run through her veins, but don’t let that fool you. Her wisdom is universal. “I want the next generation of leaders to recognize that self-doubt is natural, especially early in your career. However, rather than succumbing to imposter syndrome, it’s crucial to trust in your own capabilities and take risks.”

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Morgan Mostrom’s Memorable Moments

  • “Reflecting on my career, two particularly memorable moments stand out: overseeing our first Travel Innovation Summit in 2023 and our latest Summit just last week.
  • “The idea of orchestrating such a vast and complex event felt overwhelming, as WeTravel had never hosted a Summit before and I was entrusted with every aspect.
  • “However, I accepted the challenge, trusted in myself, and ultimately delivered two events that I am incredibly proud of—this year, we hosted nine impactful sessions with 28 speakers and welcomed over 3,000 attendees.”

Jennifer Ackerson, Founder and CEO of Alon Tourism Solutions

Jennifer Ackerson on The Power of Connections

“The travel industry is fundamentally relationship-based, and the power of connection has always intrigued me,” says Jennifer Ackerson, Founder and CEO of Alon Tourism Solutions. Her passion for travel and tourism shines through her devoted initiative. “I believe that true success comes when you are equally passionate about your partners’ success as much as your own.” Jennifer has spent over two decades avidly helping destinations and suppliers connect and understand each other to achieve their tourism goals. Alon’s mission is clear: “Empower our clients to thrive in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.” Jennifer elaborates, “We help destinations and suppliers develop products and services that cater to visitors domestically and globally that portray the growing demand for personalized and experiential travel.”

Jennifer admits it’s “our lifeblood and a vital component of the travel industry, offering unique benefits that differ from domestic tourism. It is extremely rewarding to see the results of people coming together and working as friends and partners.” Jennifer continually works to build long-lasting relationships that drive profits and dedicates her time and energy to helping connect businesses and travelers together for successful tourism.

Jennifer Ackerson’s Outstanding Achievements

  • Outstanding Women in Tourism Marketing Award from Women In Travel and Tourism International (WITTI) at Connect Travel Show.
  • Stanley Fisher Outstanding Travel Professional Award from the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) at the IITA Annual Summit.
  • Excellence in Leadership Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) at the Annual Meeting & Tourism Excellence Awards.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award from City Guide at the Women in Tourism Awards.

Sherry Rupert, CEO for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)

Propelling Cultural Tourism with Sherry Rupert

“I am Paiute and Washoe from Nevada. I am also the CEO for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA),” says Sherry Rupert. The pride radiates from the industry giant whose shoulders are more than worthy of standing upon. Sherry has been essential to cultural tourism in the Native Nations and throughout the U.S. for decades. Previously the Indian Affairs Director for the State of Nevada, Sherry’s passion for safeguarding Native voices became her mission. She captured oral histories of survival and courage from those who lived through one of the darkest chapters in their history.

She achieved this with the groundbreaking, once thought-impossible task of opening the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum in Carson City, Nevada. “I had to find a way to tell their stories in an honest and compelling way that would allow their stolen voices to be heard and provide a path toward healing their souls. Cultural tourism became the platform and tool that would tell these raw and authentic stories.” Sherry continues to bring awareness to the atrocities Native Americans endured during attempts to assimilate Indian children into the Western culture. AIANTA works closely with destinations and Indigenous communities to help prepare them for tourism. This allows for a meaningful, authentic visitor experience, as well as respect and cultural expectations for the community. “We ensure that the destinations we promote benefit economically and culturally by prioritizing Indigenous ownership and leadership. Our approach centers on the belief that Indigenous communities should be the ones sharing their own stories, which have been passed down for generations.”

Sherry Rupert’s Memorable Moments

  • “One of the proudest moments in my career was the opening of the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Welcome Center.
  • “It took years of advocacy and outreach to bring attention to the history of the Stewart Indian School and the traumatic journey of the thousands of Native children who were forced to attend.
  • “Through unwavering commitment, we were able to establish the cultural center, finally giving voice to the stories that had been muted for decades.
  • “When the center opened, it was a profound victory, honoring those children and their families whose lives were disrupted.”

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Nicole Mahoney, CEO of the New York State-based Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP)

Nicole Mahoney on Why Collaboration is Key

You might call Nicole Mahoney a Jack of all trades, but this dynamic leader is more than an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and podcast host with a passion for business. She’s also the CEO of the New York State-based Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP). TAP is a services and solutions agency that works primarily with second- and third-tier destinations to help travel, tourism, and hospitality organizations collaborate and succeed. Growing up in the Finger Lakes region gave Nicole prime opportunities to witness the effects of tourism and its potential for small and large communities. “When I first launched my company, my vision was to help small businesses grow and thrive. I quickly understood that the Main Street businesses I wanted to help in this area needed to understand the visitor economy in order to truly succeed.” Fifteen years later, Nicole has clients across North America and Canada with a core mission to help businesses and communities develop and flourish.

She emphasizes, “We also see the role and responsibility that the travel industry has in facing some of our world’s biggest challenges. From social justice to sustainability to workforce, we work alongside our clients and the industry to make a difference.” Another key to success in the tourism industry is having a passion for what you do. “I believe that cross-organizational collaboration is the way forward for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. It is the way that we will solve our biggest challenges and continue to grow as an industry.” Nicole’s conviction is evident in her ventures and revered accomplishments. “I believe in this so much that I have commissioned two research studies (2020 and 2023) on the topic and written a book about it. Her brainchild, Destination on the Left, is a revolutionary podcast in which she “explores creativity and collaboration from all viewpoints and segments of the travel and tourism industry with guests from a mix of backgrounds, including DMOs, accommodations, attractions, tour operators, travel advisors and industry consultants.”

Nicole Mahoney’s Outstanding Achievements

  • Nicole commissioned two first-of-its-kind research studies on collaboration in the travel industry: Rising Tides: Lifting All Boats (2021) and Stronger Together: Future-Proofing the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (2023).
  • Her book, “Stronger Together: Building World-Changing Business Collaborations,” culminates the study results, over 300 podcast conversations and her personal experiences.
  • Destination on the Left podcast creator and host.

Alexandria Sanchez, the U.S. Consumer Marketing Manager for G Adventures

Championing Community Tourism with Alexandria Sanchez

“Find your fire!” says Alexandria Sanchez, the U.S. Consumer Marketing Manager for G Adventures. “Find what truly makes you so excited to wake up and start your mission.” Alex has always had a passion for helping fulfill the dreams of travelers around the world. She found her place with the G Adventure steam, a travel company for small groups looking to book personalized and memorable adventures. There, she focuses on marketing and building partnerships throughout the U.S. and collaborates on projects worldwide that drive women empowerment, cultural preservation, conservation and more. “We are in the business of changing lives, empowering people to experience the world on their own terms, and uplifting communities through responsible travel and connections.” Alex’s desire to introduce people to new places and cultures has helped propel her forward in the group travel and tourism industry. “Open eyes, hearts and minds can be the conduit for learning and appreciation of those we haven’t met yet.

“In my own travels, there has been nothing more special than authentically connecting with others despite a difference of language or culture.” At its core, G Adventures is all about community tourism and its impact on the local regions and visitors. They cater to travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime trips, crafting tailored experiences for solo adventurists and promoting “off the beaten path” locations. “Traveler experience on the ground is where G Adventures really makes magic,” she boasts. “We have our CEOs who are our local guides all over the world that live where they run their trips. They are the local experts that make our trips so incredibly special for our travelers,” she adds. Alex fits into the industry like a missing puzzle piece, and her accomplishments continue to change the sector’s landscape unequivocally.

Expert Advice from Alexandria Sanchez

  • “Impact can look many different ways, but it’s important to remember that we are all pieces of the ripple effects of our industry.
  • “Positive impact in travel creates more opportunities for communities around the world.”

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