There are countless important women in tourism. For International Women’s Day, we’re putting five of them in the spotlight. What drives them and how they inspire us.
There are definitely more important women in tourism than at the helm of a luxury liner. Captain Serena Melani is the first in this field: in 2020, she was the first female captain to steer a cruise ship out of a shipyard. The Italian is currently at the helm of the EXPLORA II, the latest member of the luxury lifestyle brand Explora Journeys, firmly under control. She takes her guests to the most beautiful destinations worldwide. Melani began her impressive career by studying at the Nautical Technical School in her native Livorno, after which she worked as a bridge officer on various types of cargo ships. When she leaves the 249 meter ship am Hafen mit sicherer Hand “einparkt”, erblasst so mancher Autofahrer vor Neid.
Anyone who has siblings, especially older brothers, knows how quickly you can find yourself in their shadow. Not so Olga Polizzi. To be honest, it is an essential part of the success story of Rocco Forte Hotels. As unique as the individual designs of the hotels are, they all have one thing in common: their unmistakable A sense of style. Und dafür ist eben niemand anderer verantwortlich als die Interior-Designerin, die so viel mehr ist als “die Schwester von Sir Rocco Forte”. Sie verleiht jedem Hotel eine einladende, elegante Atmosphäre. Und sie verankert die Häuser an ihrem respective location. The balancing act between tradition and modernity is achieved thanks to a successful mixture of antique and contemporary objects. Olga Polizzi was honored by the English crown for her services to the kingdom with the Order of Chivalry (CBE).
Gleich drei bemerkenswerte Frauen prägen die Geschicke des “good time Hotel” Muchele in South Tyrol: Martina, Priska and Anna Ganthaler. Each of them brings their own character and talents to the table. The result is a unique ambience that Humorsensuality, family spirit and openness. Martina and Priska run the hotel and the world of fine wines, while Anna is responsible for the spa area. She also runs her own cosmetics line and a sustainable fashion boutique. Der Tatendrang muss ihnen wohl in die Wiege gelegt worden sein. Denn auch Mama Franziska ist äußerst umtriebig. Sie führt das Weingut Tenuta di Fra’, das Poggio Antico und die Villa Uliveto in den sonnigen Marken. Gäste dürfen sich da wie dort auf viel Herzlichkeit freuen. Und natürlich auf besondere Orte im Hotel. Zum Beispiel die Outdoor-Küche oder die Kunstausstellungen. Oder das Spa.
Hotel Muchele
Maiergasse, 1, 39014 Burgstall, Autonome Provinz Bozen – Südtirol, Italien
+39 0473 291135 - muchele.com
Double room from approx. € 350,- per night
Impressive women in tourism can be found even on the other side of the world. In Fiji, Lara Meiliki Vokai is setting new standards for sustainable tourism. She manages the first solar-powered eco-dive resort in the South Pacific, where fresh water is sourced from rainwater, natural bio-cycle systems are implemented, and the resort deliberately forgoes swimming pools and air conditioning. Lara is following in her mother’s footsteps—after all, it was her mother who built the resort 35 years ago, pioneering a vision long before sustainability became a global priority. But Lara is not only running the resort; she's also driving its evolution. In addition, she advocates for sustainable tourism across the South Pacific as the chair of the Duvata Sustainable Tourism Collective.
Nukubati Great Sea Reef Resort
Nukubati Island, Fiji
+679 229 6360 - nukubati.com
Doubles from € 1,150
The two resorts Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia are world-famous. The latter, in particular, was an Instagram dream come true long before the platform even existed. Each suite has just three walls, opening up entirely to the surrounding nature. Personal butler service and exclusive beachfront amenities are just one part of the experience. Equally important is the resort’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to the local community. All of this is embodied in one person: Karolin Troubetzkoy. The German-born owner of both resorts is a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and serves as the German honorary consul in Saint Lucia. Her remarkable contributions extend beyond hospitality—she is deeply engaged in supporting the community of Soufrière.
Jade Mountain Resort
VW7F+RP8, Mamin, St. Lucia
+1 800-223-1108 - jademountain.com
Doubles from € 1.600
