March marks the month-long celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on 8 March, which continues to be celebrated worldwide. The history of this women-focused holiday varies by country. For example, in 1980, the US first acknowledged this holiday as Women’s History Week under President Carter; the week-long holiday was later officially recognised as “Women’s History Month” under President Reagan in 1987.
Fast-forward to 2025. Now, there’s an annual Women’s History theme, which changes yearly according to the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA). This year, NWHA’s Women’s History Month theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” In addition, this year marks progress for women in tourism with a recently announced study by UN Tourism and the International Transport Workers’ Federation called the Global Study on Women in Tourism: The Transport Industry, set to be released in 2026. While many women are excelling right now, here are ten women leaders in top leadership roles in travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation to know about.
Travel and Tourism
1. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
As a global voice and advocate for UN Tourism, Natalia frequently speaks about tourism worldwide at high-level travel conferences and forums and gives interviews in English and Spanish. An avid learner, Natalia most recently received the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century certification from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education programme. This month, Forbes Women in Spain named Natalia one of the 50 Latinas to Follow in 2025.
2. Teodora Marinska, COO and Head of Public Affairs of The European Travel Commission
For over 12 years and counting at the European Travel Commission, Teodora Marinska has been a powerful advocate for climate action and sustainability in tourism. She recently promoted the organisation’s latest guide, Roadmap for National Tourism Organisations Towards Climate Action in Destinations. Now, as the COO and Head of Public Affairs, Teodora is the second-in-command at the European Travel Commission.
3. Zina Bencheikh, Managing Director EMEA at Intrepid Travel
Since 2010, Zina has become a key leader at Intrepid Travel, a frequent speaker at events, and a voice for women in her role as an Advisory Board Member at Women in Travel (CIC). Now, as the Managing Director of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), Zina’s achievements include forming collaborations and partnerships and visiting newly opened Intrepid offices. The global adventure tour operator values gender equality and offers women-led and women-only expeditions. Intrepid Travel launched its “Wouldn’t Be Here Without Her” campaign for International Women’s Day this year.
4. Alessandra Alonso, Founder of Women in Travel (CIC)
As the Founder and Managing Director of Women in Travel (CIC) and a gender advocate, Alessandra also completed a TEDx Talk titled Tour guiding as a catalyst for an inclusive world. She also organises the yearly IWTTF Forum and Awards in London, which will be held in June this year.
5. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)
From speaking on international stages at ITB Berlin to engaging with tourism leaders at Fitur, Julia also stays busy sharing the latest travel reports from the WTTC’s Global Research Hub. This month, the World Travel & Tourism Council announced its next Global Summit, which will be held in Rome, Italy, in September.
Hospitality and Aviation
6. Amanda Frasier, President – Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide
As a leading voice in luxury travel and hospitality, Amanda leads Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Rating system for hotels, cruises, spas, and restaurants. Last month, she welcomed over 750 summit attendees at the Grimaldi Forum in the most royal way—by opening this year’s annual Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco with an entrance alongside Prince Albert II of Monaco.
7. Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO at Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Lindsey Ueberroth’s tenure with Preferred Hotels & Resorts spans over two decades. In addition to being the CEO at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, she also serves as CEO at the travel company Beyond Green, which hosted its first Beyond Green Global Leadership Summit this month.
We are proud to announce that our CEO Lindsey Ueberroth has joined @CNTraveler's first Global Advisory Board. Uniting experts from diverse travel sectors & all corners of the world, it has been formed to help advise the magazine on today's most pertinent travel topics. pic.twitter.com/R1tkvlACaX
— Preferred Hotels (@preferredhotels) March 29, 2023
8. Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France
In 2018, Anne made history as the first woman CEO of Air France. Last year, she was n°48 on Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women annual list.
9. Lynda M Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International
Since 2024, Lynda has led the nonprofit organisation Women in Aviation International. This month, she joins women aviators from around the world at the upcoming 6th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in the US, where three women will be honoured as 2025 Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees.
10. Allison Ausband, E.V.P. and Chief People Officer of Delta Airlines
Another impressive aviation leader to know is Allison Ausband. She has worked for Delta Air Lines for nearly 40 years. Allison’s career began as a flight attendant and evolved through various roles. Now, she serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. This year, Delta Air Lines celebrated its 100th anniversary.
As Women’s History Month concludes, women’s hard work and achievements in travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation will continue to thrive.
