Soul of Travel is committed to creating spaces for women to take the stage, leading conversations to expand the impact, reach, and acknowledgment of women in travel. Through this work, it’s essential to create inclusive spaces – and affinity spaces – for stakeholders and participants to feel safe, valued, and empowered.

The International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum is one of these spaces.

Produced by Women in Travel (CIC), The IWTTF & Awards, held this year in London on June 21st and 22nd, has proven to be a collaborative and accessible gathering for those committed to gender equity in travel. Participants can expect inspiring speakers, industry decision-makers, leaders, and professionals to come together to share and gain practical tips for making a more equitable and sustainable tourism industry.

I am beyond grateful to have experienced the guidance and mentorship of Women in Travel (CIC) founder Alessandra Alonso over the past few years, and her encouragement has helped me to push through challenging times for Soul of Travel Podcast and my company that leads small group tours for women, Lotus Sojourns.

Photo provided by Women in Travel (CIC).

Soul of Travel Podcast and Women in Travel Exclusive Interview Series

Over the next four weeks, Soul of Travel Podcast listeners can expect inspiring episodes produced exclusively with Women in Travel (CIC). We’ll feature leaders and speakers in an effort to spread the word about this incredible organization and upcoming event, as well as provide valuable, insightful, and soulful conversations about the future of gender diversity in travel and the impact this work will have on gender equity on a global scale.

I know I have much to learn as an ally of gender equity, and I deeply appreciate the partnership and opportunity to take this work a few steps further.

To gain insight into this work and hear from Alessandra and two of this year’s featured speakers, Iris Serbanescu & Vanessa Karel, listen to their interviews during Seasons 3 and 4 of the Soul of Travel Podcast.

Listen to the Soul of Travel Podcast Interview with Alessandra Alonso

Listen to the Soul of Travel Podcast Interview with Iris Serbanescu

Listen to the Soul of Travel Podcast Interview with Vanessa Karel

In the interview, Iris shares a thoughtful exercise on how women and non-binary people interact with ideologies of success.

It's really a journey of awareness of what our internalized versions of success are understanding like, what do we view as strengths in leadership? What do we view as weaknesses in leadership? Where do we see ourselves fitting into that? Where did those ideologies come from? And how can we take stock of ourselves and who we are, and redefine that definition for ourselves?
Iris Serbanescu of wmnsWORK, Soul of Travel Episode 95

Iris and Vanessa present in the IWTTF Panel on the subject of fostering innovation by removing barriers to entrepreneurship and harnessing DEI and Technology. You won’t want to miss it.

I have also been honored to connect with many Women in Travel (CIC) community members who have joined me as guests on the Soul of Travel Podcast. Listen to these past episodes to learn more about their work.

Will you be joining me in London? Purchase your ticket or learn more about the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum & Awards.