‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’

There’s a lot of talk about boys’ clubs in the tourism industry and you know what? That’s fine. People can be a part of any club they choose.

But I choose a different structure.

Women in Tourism is an inclusive group, not a girls’ club.

Our goal is to build a tribe that is free from hierarchy: a circle where we are all leaders.

I believe that we can support, educate and inspire each other to do better, be more courageous and to take more risks.

To stop saying ‘I’m not ready yet’ or ‘It’s not my turn’.

We’re here to say it is your turn, and Women in Tourism is a place to be seen and heard. To ask for help. To offer advice. To connect.

Critically, to be yourself; not someone you think you’re supposed to be in order to succeed.

We want to honour all the women who paved the way for us. The women who had to put up with all kinds of bulls*t to get to where they are and make things better for us.

In turn, we want to lift up the next cohort of women in the tourism industry.

So I’ll say it again. A rising tide lifts all boats.

It’s always time to rise. To rise up, to rise above, to rise and take your place at the table.

Hope to see you there.