As we mark Women’s History Month 2025, TravelPulse is once again taking a moment to acknowledge the substantial contributions and innovations of women in the travel industry.
It’s hardly an overstatement to say that women play a critical role in travel and tourism, both locally and globally.
The latest available data from the World Travel & Tourism Council shows that women make up nearly 40 percent of the industry. That translates to about 48 million women working in what is now the world’s ninth largest industry.
Among these women are scores of trailblazers, visionaries and fearless go-getters who have set their sights on making a difference for others or for the world (or both) and are doing so in their own unique way. They are entrepreneurs, they are corporate titans, they are passionate environmentalists and they are leaders of some of the travel industry’s largest brands, businesses and trade groups.
This is TravelPulse’s fifth annual list of influential women in travel, and each year, it is a privilege reviewing the bold things that women in travel are accomplishing. The 2025 class of influential leaders makes clear that women continue to be a force to be reckoned with, even during this fraught time in our history.
Women continue to bring unique approaches to addressing and resolving many of the daunting challenges facing the industry and the world at large, including finding ways to make travel more sustainable, inclusive, accessible, thoughtful, and beneficial for stakeholders at all levels.
At TravelPulse’s request, each of the 20 women being honored this year (who were all nominated by industry peers) shared a few career accomplishments they’re most proud of, as well as thoughts on what motivates them. Their answers are a compelling and inspirational read.
Here’s a closer look at each of the 2025 winners and the forces that drive them.
Kerri Johnson, Founder, GOMO Travel
As the founder of GOMO Travel, Kerri Johnson is transforming the way people with mobility challenges, medical conditions, or other travel limitations experience the world. A medical travel assistance agency, GOMO’s medical travel companions ensure that travelers get where they need to go with safety.
The assistance of GOMO companions is available whether someone has mobility issues, suffers from anxiety, or requires medical assistance.
Johnson’s efforts through GOMO prioritize inclusivity, ensuring every traveler — no matter their circumstances — receives personalized support, from booking accessible accommodations to navigating unexpected disruptions.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do each day?
“I have a nursing background and have always been sensitive to people’s feelings and needs,” says Johnson. “As I have grown and matured, I have become a staunch advocate for those less fortunate. I start my day with my alarm of Andy Williams’ song ‘The Impossible Dream.’”
“This is a daily reminder to accomplish my goal of alleviating fear, isolationism, and
exclusion experienced by many would-be travelers,” says Johnson. “At GOMO Travel, we strive to make their dreams possible.”
Q: What are your hopes and goals related to your specific area of work and the impact you’d like to have on the travel industry?
“We feel everyone should be free to travel on their own terms, whatever that individually
means for them,” says Johnson. “Our hope is to normalize assisted travel across the globe so they will know that resources like ours exist. Uber did not happen overnight, and we utilize every day to build our network to achieve our goal of one day becoming the Uber of assisted travel.”