In a resounding affirmation of its commitment to gender equality, CT Partners, Australia’s foremost independent travel buying network, proudly celebrates the invaluable contributions of women across the travel industry this International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025. This year’s IWD theme, #AccelerateAction, underscores the urgency in advancing women’s rights and empowerment globally, resonating deeply within the travel sector.
A Tradition of Female Leadership
The travel industry has long been a beacon of gender inclusion, with women constituting over 70% of Australia’s travel workforce. This representation spans from frontline consultants to senior executives, illustrating a sector where women have historically thrived and led. Within the CT Partners network, this tradition is particularly pronounced:
- Leadership: 18 of the 32 member businesses are helmed by women in roles such as CEO, Managing Director, or General Manager.
- Senior Management: An additional 10 women occupy pivotal senior management positions.
- Board Representation: Two female leaders serve on the CT Partners Board, actively influencing the strategic direction of Australia’s third-largest travel buying group.
Voices of Influence
These leaders’ perspectives shed light on the industry’s culture and the ongoing journey toward comprehensive gender parity.
Fiona Prosser, CEO of Globetrotter Corporate Travel, reflects on the unique opportunities within the travel sector:
“The travel sector is unique in that women can build careers from entry-level roles through to senior leadership, often without needing traditional corporate pathways.”
She emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment:
“At Globetrotter, we embrace a people-first approach that supports career development at all levels. Many of our female leaders have progressed through the industry by seizing opportunities, mentoring others, and driving innovation.”
Rachelle Matheson, Managing Director of Jigsaw Travel, highlights the broader impact of women in leadership:
“When women are empowered to lead, everyone benefits. Countless studies have shown that women tend to exhibit higher empathy and emotional intelligence than men, enabling us to build strong and fair relationships with our teams and clients.”
She advocates for increased representation:
“I would love to see more women holding top management and executive roles in our industry, as well as being more represented on company and industry boards. To achieve this, we need to drive change at all levels, foster workplaces that promote work-life balance, and challenge outdated notions that long hours in the office define commitment and success.”
Kristin Panchetti, General Manager of Complete Business Travel, underscores the distinctive qualities women bring to the industry:
“Women bring a unique combination of empathy, collaborative leadership, and exceptional multitasking abilities to the travel industry. Their ability to understand and anticipate the needs of clients, combined with a collaborative leadership style, fosters strong teamwork and long-term business success.”
She calls for a shift in workplace perceptions:
“One of the biggest challenges we need to address is shifting the perception that women must juggle home and work responsibilities within traditional office hours. Flexibility is key to creating an environment where women can thrive in leadership without unnecessary barriers.”
CT Partners’ Commitment to Diversity
Matt Masson, CEO of CT Partners, reaffirms the organization’s dedication to fostering female leadership:
“The travel industry has always been a place where women thrive, and CT Partners is committed to fostering success for female leaders across our network. With over half of our member businesses led by women, we see first-hand the strength, innovation, and leadership they bring to corporate and luxury travel.”
He acknowledges the progress made and the journey ahead:
“As an industry, we should be proud of the opportunities that exist for women at every stage of their careers. However, there’s still work to be done to improve representation at the very top levels, and CT Partners remains dedicated to supporting greater diversity in travel leadership.”
Masson also highlights the network’s robust market presence:
“As the third-largest travel buying group in Australia, with a Total Transaction Value exceeding $2 billion, our strength lies in the calibre of our members. Their ability to innovate, lead, and navigate change is what continues to set them apart in the premium travel sector.”
Aligning with Global Initiatives
The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for intensified efforts to achieve gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, full gender parity may not be realized until 2158, spanning over five generations. This stark projection emphasizes the need for immediate and concerted action.
CT Partners’ initiatives resonate with this global call. CT Partners exemplifies how industry leaders can drive substantial change by promoting flexible work arrangements, supporting mentorship programs, and advocating for equitable representation at all organizational levels.
The Road Ahead
While the travel industry has made significant strides in gender inclusion, challenges persist. Achieving true equality requires continuous effort, including:
- Policy Development: Implementing policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and parental leave.
- Mentorship and Sponsorship: Establishing programs that mentor and sponsor women for leadership roles.
- Bias Training: Conducting regular training to address unconscious biases in hiring and promotion processes.
- Representation: Ensuring women’s representation in decision-making forums and on boards.
Addressing these areas will allow the travel industry to continue leading by example and showcasing the benefits of diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
As CT Partners celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, it honours the remarkable women within its network and reinforces its commitment to accelerating action towards gender equality. The organization’s dedication inspires, demonstrating that with intentional efforts and unwavering commitment, a more equitable and prosperous future is within reach.
For more information on CT Partners and its initiatives, visit their website: CT Partners.
