News and Insights

Shaping the Future of Travel: Insights from Skift’s 2026 Women Leading Travel Forum

June 30, 2026

After three immersive days with the Women Leading Travel x Skift community in New Orleans, here are my biggest takeaways:

The future of travel is being shaped by women across generations.

From Gen Z to Millennials to Gen X leaders, there was a shared focus on attracting top talent, creating intentional cultures, and developing high-performing teams that can thrive amid constant change. While our approaches may differ, our goals are remarkably aligned: build stronger organizations, foster innovation and create opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Investing in women is investing in the future of the industry.

Across discussions on leadership, digital transformation, AI, customer experience, and business growth, one theme emerged repeatedly: women are not simply participating in change, they are driving it. We are uniquely positioned to balance emotional intelligence with analytical thinking, bringing both humanity and innovation to the challenges facing travel today. The conversations reinforced that technology should enhance human connection, not replace it.

Trust, authenticity, and courage remain leadership superpowers.

One thing I heard time and again echoed many of my own mantras: don’t wait for permission, embrace your humanity and show up authentically. As AI and automation continue to transform our industry, the greatest opportunities lie in the things technology can’t replicate: relationship building, empathy, creativity and the ability to navigate difficult decisions. Let automation handle volume; let people focus on what matters most.

Resilience is a defining characteristic of female leadership.

Some of the most impactful conversations centered on overcoming adversity, navigating uncertainty and leading through change. Whether discussing business challenges, personal setbacks or industry disruption, there was a collective belief that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about moving forward with purpose, supported by a community that genuinely wants to see one another succeed.

One of my favorite aspects of the forum was the caliber and diversity of women in the room. I had the opportunity to connect with leaders from Marriott, Hilton, American Airlines, United, Celebrity Cruises, Intrepid Travel, Amtrak and many other organizations shaping the future of travel. I was especially honored to attend alongside the incredible Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism of The Bahamas who was recognized on stage among this year’s distinguished honorees.

I also met inspiring entrepreneurs, founders and coaches who are redefining leadership in their own ways—from Courtney Seard and Coach Quinn to Yahnni Adolfo San Luis-Wallgren from Nomado, who created thoughtful spaces for mentorship, coaching and candid conversation.

A special thank you to Hannah DeMaio, Carolyn Kremins and the entire Women Leading Travel and Skift teams for creating such a meaningful forum. The event’s spirit was perhaps best reflected in one recurring theme: when women come together to share experiences, challenge one another and champion each other’s success, the entire industry moves forward.