Dare to Dream: Women in Hospitality Who Show You It’s Possible

Dare to Dream: Women in Hospitality Who Show You It’s Possible

By Author

Published on November 6, 2023

In the heart of the hospitality industry, where warmth meets service, women are not just participants; they're trailblazers crafting remarkable experiences. Their presence is a testament to the power of inclusivity and the diverse strengths they bring to the table. Encouragement is not in short supply, and for women contemplating a venture into this vibrant sector, know this: you stand on the sturdy shoulders of giants. Here are six shining examples of success who prove that in hospitality, sisterhood thrives.

1. Isadore Sharp - Founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

While not a woman, Isadore Sharp's inclusion is pivotal as he championed women in leadership roles within his luxury hotel chain, setting a precedent for diversity and empowerment. Four Seasons is renowned for its exceptional service, a standard often attributed to the empathetic leadership and attention to detail that women bring to the industry.

2. Christina Ong - The Mind Behind COMO Hotels and Resorts

Christina Ong, dubbed "The Queen of Bond Street," ventured into the hospitality scene with her unique brand of luxury resorts and city hotels. Ong's establishments are more than just a place to stay; they are sanctuaries that reflect her philosophy of holistic well-being, blending culture with comfort—a space where women, especially, can flourish in leadership.

3. Katara Hospitality - A Company Elevating Women Leaders

Based in Qatar, Katara Hospitality has been a forerunner in empowering women within the Middle East, showcasing that gender diversity is key to innovative and sustainable growth. They've shattered ceilings, proving that women in hospitality are not just present but are driving progress and excellence.

4. Priya Paul - The Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels

Priya Paul is a force to be reckoned with, steering her group’s collection of boutique hotels to new heights. Under her guidance, The Park Hotels have become synonymous with contemporary luxury and cultural vibrancy. Her leadership style is a blueprint for women eyeing the hospitality summit.

5. Ritu Dalmia - Celebrated Chef and Restaurateur

Ritu Dalmia, a chef extraordinaire, adds her zest to the hospitality industry with her chain of restaurants. She has not only brought a spotlight to culinary art but also shown that the kitchen, often a male-dominated space, can be helmed excellently by women with passion and panache.

6. Niki Leondakis - Former CEO of Equinox Fitness Clubs and Hotels

Niki Leondakis has made waves with her dynamic approach to leadership in the hotel sector. With a career that has spanned various hospitality giants, she has become a role model for women who aspire to reach executive roles, proving that with tenacity, the glass ceiling is but an illusion.

These icons, among countless others, are proof that women are crafting the narrative of hospitality with every successful venture. For every woman on the cusp of stepping into hospitality, let these stories embolden you. The industry doesn't just need women; it thrives because of them. So step in, the stage is set, and the audience is eager to witness your story unfold in the splendid theater of hospitality.


Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

Kairali, The Ayurvedic Healing Village India Announces Exclusive North American Partnership with Sky Vacations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 12, 2026

Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village (KTAHV) has announced its exclusive North American partnership with Sky Vacations, one of North America’s premier luxury tour operators known for curated and culturally immersive travel experiences. The collaboration aims to bring the healing benefits of authentic 5000-year-old Kerala Ayurveda practice to travellers across North America.

Located in the lush foothills of Palakkad and spread across 63 acres, Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village has been welcoming global guests for more than 26 years. Recognised worldwide for its authentic Ayurveda-based wellness experiences, the retreat blends traditional healing therapies with modern comfort, personalised care, and a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing.

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“Bringing travellers the most authentic and enriching travel opportunities is one of our core pillars,” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. “As Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village’s exclusive representative partner in North America, we are thrilled to expand our health and wellness portfolio with a property that so perfectly embodies authenticity, excellence, and purpose."

At the heart of Kairali’s offering is a medically guided and personalised wellness approach. Each guest undergoes customised programs supervised by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. The treatments combine traditional therapies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. Supporting this journey is farm-to-table cuisine prepared using organically grown, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that nourishment and healing go hand in hand.

“It is a great honour for us. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science, and working with Sky Vacations as our North American partner and representative helps us introduce the benefits of truly authentic Ayurveda and its healing benefits to more North American audiences,” said Abhilash Ramesh, Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group. “Sky Vacations has a stellar reputation for creating extraordinary global journeys, and their depth of knowledge and experience in India is truly unparalleled”.

KTAHV offers a wide range of wellness programs designed for both preventive and restorative health. These include detoxification and rejuvenation therapies (panchakarma), weight and dietary management, stress relief, energy restoration, women’s wellness, immunity enhancement, pain management, and long-term lifestyle reset plans. Each program is carefully structured to ensure benefits that continue well beyond the stay.

For Sky Vacations, this partnership strengthens its focus on meaningful and transformative travel. With decades of experience in designing high-end journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and strong expertise in travel to India, the company is well positioned to introduce KTAHV to the North American market.

“This partnership reflects everything our guests expect from Sky Vacations: carefully curated experiences, exceptional quality, healing in a globally recognised Ayurvedic retreat and access to the very best the world has to offer.” Further, continued Mr. Krieger.

At KTAHV, guests can access traditional, medically guided Ayurvedic programs including Ayurvedic Massages (treatments), Detox programs, Yoga, Meditation, lifestyle guidance, diet programs, Farm-to-table food using organic, locally sourced ingredients, and authentic Ayurvedic supplements and medicines, all overseen by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists aligned to each individual requirement.

This exclusive collaboration reflects the growing global demand for wellness travel that delivers more than relaxation. Through this partnership, Sky Vacations and Kairali aim to create a new benchmark for authentic Ayurvedic wellness travel in the North American market.


Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Valentine’s Season with Inclusive, All-Heart Experiences

Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Valentine’s Season with Inclusive, All-Heart Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on February 11, 2026

This Valentine’s season, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel – is embracing love in all its forms, inviting guests to celebrate togetherness with partners, friends, family, pets and even themselves. Rooted in the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, the boutique pet-friendly resort in the heart of North Goa has curated a month-long lineup of experiences throughout February 2026, ensuring every guest feels welcome and free to celebrate love their own way.

Recognising that love often comes with paws, Ronil Goa continues to offer pet-friendly stays with dedicated amenities, pet menus and open spaces designed for relaxed bonding. Guests can book these stays via Hyatt.com and enjoy the brand’s best rate guarantee. The resort also encourages reunions and staycations, inviting families and friends to reconnect at its Indo-Portuguese inspired setting through customised gatherings, offsite excursions, pool parties and celebratory experiences.

Valentine’s at Ronil Goa also places strong emphasis on self-love and wellbeing. Guests are encouraged to slow down with wellness rituals at The Spa, energising poolside afternoons and relaxed evenings at Patrao’s, creating space for rest, reflection and indulgence. Adding a fun twist to the celebrations, Galentine’s Day on 13th February 2026 brings together groups of women for cocktails and canapés, while singles can look forward to a social mixer later in the month.

For couples, the specially curated ‘Couples’ Edit’ package includes daily breakfast, a couple spa ritual, a poolside dinner and thoughtful inclusions designed to rekindle connection. Valentine’s Day dining experiences on 14th February range from curated buffet dinners at Ronil Bistro to intimate poolside and cabana dinners, while Galentine celebrations continue from 13th to 15th February at The Hub. With its inclusive spirit and joyful vibe, Ronil Goa positions itself as a destination where guests can truly come as they are.


Flight Centre Travel Group Partners with TCS to Transform Enterprise Technology Services

Flight Centre Travel Group Partners with TCS to Transform Enterprise Technology Services

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 10, 2026

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), one of the world’s largest travel groups, has partnered with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to support its global digital transformation journey and modernise its enterprise technology services.

Through this strategic partnership, TCS will help future-proof FCTG’s cloud and network services, strengthen operational resilience, and modernise service platforms across the group’s global operations. Leveraging its deep expertise in technology, data, and AI within the travel sector, TCS will work to streamline and consolidate core systems, unlock greater value from existing technology investments, and improve overall performance across FCTG’s enterprise technology stack.

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FCTG operates an extensive leisure and corporate travel sales network spanning Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. The collaboration aims to create a more standardised and simplified global operating model, enhancing both customer and employee experiences across regions.

Graham Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group, said, "We are delighted to be working with TCS as we continue our evolution as a business. Strengthening our technology backbone is an ongoing priority and we look forward to collaborating with the TCS team to deliver tangible benefits to our people and, ultimately, our customers and shareholders."

Krishnan Ramanujam, President of Consumer Business Group, Tata Consultancy Services, said, We are happy to partner with Flight Centre Travel Group on this pivotal transformation to simplify and uplift the customer and employee experience. Together, we are transforming the enterprise technology services of one of Australia’s most iconic travel brands to adopt an AI-first simplified global operating model.”

As part of the engagement, TCS will help FCTG develop and execute a clear strategy focused on platform standardisation, continuous service-level improvements, and transparent governance. The partnership builds on TCS’ long-standing expertise in the global travel sector, where it has worked closely with leading travel operators across consulting, customer service management, supply chain, marketing, pricing strategies, and business model reinvention.

TCS continues to strengthen its presence in Australia, serving as a digital partner to several leading enterprises in the region. The company operates across multiple locations in the country and has been recognised for its workplace culture and employer excellence.

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