On International Women’s Day 2024, we celebrate female trailblazers in luxury travel and hospitality around the globe. From the Maldives to Botswana to London, women are leading the way to a better world where belonging, empowerment and relevance take centre stage.

Highlighting the achievements of women at the forefront of the luxury travel industry, a campaign with the theme of #InspireInclusion aims to raise awareness of discrimination and inspire understanding of the value of bringing women to the foreground.

Cora Cora Maldives is the only Maldivian resort to have an all-female airport welcome team, warmly greeting guests the moment they step off the plane and leading the way until they depart. Women also get top billing at the Ginger Moon restaurant, where the all-female team led by Chef May is encouraged to develop their talents in a traditionally male-dominated field and create delicious Asian food with love and passion.  

Women in wine are also at the forefront of legendary London restaurants Wiltons, a fine dining British classic, and Franco’s, the famed Italian stalwart, both of which are paving the way for a new generation of female sommeliers.  

At Wiltons, Monica Bacchiocchi has turned her passion into a stellar career, guiding diners through the extensive selection of wines for the perfect accompaniment to their classic British dishes. At Franco’s, Guilia Fenoglio has been instrumental in developing a spectacular collection of Italian wines, originally focused on reds, but now famed for its vast choice of rosé wines and fresh summer whites.  

“Women have a different sensitivity to men,” says Monica. “Their senses seem heightened in shades of colour and smells which benefits everybody when they can show their skills, passion, and love of what they are doing.”