The Power of Women Shaping the Future of Travel in 2025
Every International Women’s Day presents a unique opportunity to honor the impactful work women are doing in various fields, and how they are reshaping the way we experience the world. This year, the Women Who Travel Power List 2025, curated by Megan Spurrell and Lale Arikoglu, shines a spotlight on 15 exceptional women. From television hosts who capture our wanderlust to conservationists promoting sustainable travel practices, and hoteliers creating community-oriented spaces, these women are changing the face of travel in remarkable ways.
**Pioneering Change in Travel**
Among those celebrated is Zita Cobb, who has transformed Fogo Island into a hub of community-driven tourism. Zita returned to her birthplace on Fogo Island in Newfoundland, Canada, after a successful career in the tech industry. Faced with an economically devastated community due to a moratorium on cod fishing, she saw a chance to revive the island’s spirit. In 2013, she opened the Fogo Island Inn, a 29-room hotel that not only offers breathtaking views and locally sourced meals but also reinvests its profits back into the community through the Shorefast Foundation. Cobb emphasizes the importance of community ownership in tourism, ensuring that the benefits of economic activity stay local and contribute to the island’s cultural revival.
**Innovation Beyond the Screen**
This year’s list also honors women behind the scenes, like Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, whose leadership at LanzaTech is revolutionizing the aviation industry. By pioneering a technology that converts waste carbon into ethanol, Holmgren is setting the stage for a new era of sustainable air travel. Her work promises to substantially reduce the carbon footprint associated with flying, showing how travel can be less harmful to our planet.
Stephanie Hon, another innovator, has tackled the ubiquitous issue of travel toiletries with her company, Cadence. She introduced reusable, customizable travel-sized containers made from sustainable materials. Her approach not only reduces plastic waste but also ensures travelers can carry their personal essentials worry-free.
**Travel as Storytelling**
The list celebrates women who have changed how travel stories reach audiences. Notable among them is Tracee Ellis Ross, who seeks to empower women to experience the joy of solo travel through her new Roku series, “Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross.” Known for her vibrant style and charisma, she shares personal travel insights that encourage individuality and self-discovery.
Kristen Kish, a chef and television personality, also exemplifies storytelling with her commitment to exploring off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences on national television. Her travels take her to remote locations where she showcases the unique stories and cultures behind the cuisine, allowing viewers to learn more about diverse global communities.
**Championing Representation and Community Building**
Meryanne Loum-Martin, the proprietor of Morocco’s Jnane Tamsna boutique hotel, is celebrated for her efforts to promote the beauty and creativity of the African diaspora. Her hotel is more than a luxurious stay; it’s a meeting place for global creatives, providing a platform for dialogues around art and culture, and expanding the narrative of what African destinations offer.
The list also features Harper Steele, whose documentary “Will & Harper” embarks on a cross-country journey across America, highlighting overlooked landscapes and celebrating inclusivity. Steele’s transformation and embrace of her true self during this journey reflect the universal power of travel to foster personal and societal growth.
**A Continued Path**
These trailblazers illustrate that travel is far more than exploration and adventure; it’s about connection, sustainable practices, and inclusive communities. Each woman on the Power List 2025 is carving a path for future generations, showing that the journey is just as important as the destination. As travel continues to evolve, these women exemplify how innovative thinking and compassionate leadership can redefine how we see the world and our place within it.