‘Women of Travel Leaders Network’ Offers Quarterly Sessions Featuring Travel Industry Guest Speakers, Success Stories and Advice

ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 7, 2024) — Travel Leaders Network, the largest network of professional travel agents in North America, has launched “Women of Travel Leaders Network,” a community for TLN members who identify as women and their allies. Inspired by Women of Internova, the resource group for employees of TLN’s parent company Internova Travel Group, Women of Travel Leaders Network fosters a supportive and empowering community within the agency network.

“Women are the backbone of the travel industry, and many of our member agencies are women-owned,” said Roger E. Block, President of Travel Leaders Network. “Over the years, these talented travel advisors and owners have sought each other out informally for networking and mentorship. We were inspired by those connections to create Women of Travel Leaders Network where these individuals can gather for thought-provoking programming and collaboration.”

Women of Travel Leaders Network held its inaugural session last October – a webinar-style format – with Vicki Freed, SVP, Sales & Trade Support & Service, Royal Caribbean, as the guest speaker. The second session in January welcomed Tammy Routh, SVP, Global Sales, Marriott International, as the keynote. Both of the industry icons spoke about challenges they have overcome and offered professional advice, as opposed to making product presentations. Breakout sessions during virtual meetings provide an invaluable opportunity for members to connect on a deeper level. And Women of Travel Leaders Network travel advisors, referred to as Champions, play a pivotal role in leading the forums, inspiring and guiding participants with their own stories of career success.

To date, an average of 800 members have attended the virtual sessions. Women of Travel Leaders Network will also be infused into some of the programming at EDGE 2024, TLN’s annual, international conference.

“Women of Travel Leaders Network is a supportive and empowering community of like-hearted travel professionals,” said Melissa Dobmeier, TLN’s Vice President of Experience Marketing, who heads up the community. “Here, TLN members can gain insights that will help them inspire change, build new relationships, initiate meaningful conversations and cheer each other on to achieve both personal and professional goals. It’s an encouraging space to learn and grow. Whether you are a woman, or support women, we welcome all TLN members to become part of this important initiative.”

The Founding Allies for Women of Travel Leaders Network consist of a mix of TLN staff and members, including: Melissa Dobmeier, VP, Experience Marketing, TLN; Karin Viera, VP of Sales, TLN; Maggie Blehert, Director of Brand Marketing, TLN; Leslie Hinde, Marketing Specialist, TLN; Elizabeth Reinhardt, Destination Program Specialist, TLN; Victoria Rios, Industry Relations Director, Nexion Travel Group; Kaira Diaz, Marketing and Social Media Specialist, Nexion Travel Group. Travel advisor Champions include Lisa Pease of LaMacchia Jet Stream; Lindsey Holmes of Kingdom Destinations; Melinda Fortunato of Best Travel; and Denise Delvecchio of Magic Destinations Travel.

The next Women of Travel Leaders Network will be on April 4, 2024, and will feature Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Co-Owner and Executive Vice President.

For travel agencies interested in learning more about the award-winning programs and diverse offerings of Travel Leaders Network in leisure and luxury travel, business travel, honeymoon and destination weddings — as well as active and adventure travel — visit TravelLeadersNetwork.com.

About Travel Leaders Network

Travel Leaders Network (www.TravelLeaders.com) assists millions of leisure and business travelers annually and is one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the travel agency industry, with approximately 5,700 travel agency locations across the United States and Canada. Travel Leaders Network is part of Travel Leaders Group, a division of Internova Travel Group.