This International Women’s Day—and the whole of March dedicated to Women’s History—we wanted to shine a spotlight on two fabulous women who have made major waves in the travel advisor community.
We wanted to know how being a woman has shaped their journey in the travel and tourism industry.
Breaking the Mold
“The travel industry is built on connections—between people, places, and experiences. As a woman, I’ve always led with that same focus on relationships, and it has shaped my career and the culture we’ve built at Dream Vacations and CruiseOne,” says Debbie Fiorino, Senior Vice President and COO for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne.
“Early on, I realized that leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people. That’s why we shifted our mindset to recognize that our franchisees are our customers. When you put people first—really listen, care, and support them—growth and success naturally follow. That philosophy has guided every decision I’ve made and helped build a strong, engaged community.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many talented women—franchise owners, colleagues, and industry leaders—who continue pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. Travel is an ever-changing business, and having diverse voices at the table is key to staying ahead.
“The most rewarding part of this journey is helping others grow. I believe in lifting as we climb, and I’m passionate about mentoring women to step into leadership, embrace new challenges, and build the businesses they’ve dreamed of.
“Being a woman in this industry isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking the mold and making a difference. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.”
Pushing for Greater Inclusivity
“Being a woman in the travel industry has shaped my journey by inspiring me to break barriers, uplift others, and push for greater inclusivity,” says Diana Riel, Senior Director of Operations, Cruise Planners. “I’ve faced challenges with resilience, but more importantly, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and empowering other women in travel. This industry thrives on connection and innovation, and I’m proud to help pave the way for future generations to lead with confidence and purpose.”
For the month of March, we’re going to be putting the spotlight on women across the industry and we’re also going to be sprinkling our homepage with women-focused travel inspirations and features.
