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Celebrating Her Awards

Honouring women leaders in travel and tourism

Celebrating Her Awards

Since 2016, IIPT India and ITB Berlin have presented the Celebrating Her Awards to women who lead by example in travel and tourism.

The awards honour outstanding achievements in promoting tourism as a global instrument for peace and understanding, and help build a network of women who can serve as role models and mentors for others in the industry. Thirty-one women from around the world have been honoured so far.

2016

First awards, at ITB Berlin

31

Women honoured, 2016–2024

IIPT India

Presented in partnership with ITB Berlin

7th edition

6 March 2024, ITB Berlin

7th Celebrating Her Awards

2024 Award Winners

The 7th Celebrating Her Awards were presented on 6 March 2024 at ITB Berlin. Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), gave the keynote address.

Suma Venkatesh, Celebrating Her Award 2024 for Inclusion and Diversity

Suma Venkatesh

Inclusion and Diversity

Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development and Asset Management, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), India

She leads IHCL’s development, technical services and projects functions, driving the group’s growth through greenfield developments, acquisitions, licences and management contracts.

Marija Labović, Celebrating Her Award 2024 for Tourism Policy

Marija Labović

Tourism Policy

CEO & Managing Director, National Tourism Organisation of Serbia

CEO of the National Tourism Organisation of Serbia since 2015 and a former Board member of the European Travel Commission, she has made an important contribution to positioning Serbia as a prominent tourist destination.

Adrianna Kruger, Celebrating Her Award 2024 for Sustainable Tourism

Adrianna Kruger

Sustainable Tourism

Founder, Tzaneen Country Lodge, Limpopo province, South Africa

A self-taught hotelier, she built a four-room guest house into a four-star hotel. In 2013 the lodge was named the best responsible-tourism business in Africa by SATOA.

Julia Simpson, Celebrating Her Award 2024 Special Jury Award Superwoman of TourismSpecial Jury Award

Julia Simpson

“Superwoman of Tourism”

President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

In her keynote at the 2024 awards she spoke of the close link between tourism and peace, and of giving women in positions of power a greater say in a conflict-ridden world.

Rika Jean-François, Celebrating Her Award 2024 Special Jury Award Torchbearer for Sustainability and InclusivitySpecial Jury Award

Rika Jean-François

“Torchbearer for Sustainability & Inclusivity”

CSR Commissioner, ITB Berlin

Honoured for her many years of commitment, she believes that recognising and empowering women is crucial for promoting peace and sustainability.

Cover of the Celebrating Her Awards montage 2016–2024
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Award Winners Montage 2016–2024

Meet all 31 Celebrating Her award winners, from the first awards in 2016 to 2024, with a page for each winner and a summary of every year’s awards.

2016 to 2023

Past Award Winners

2022/2023 3 winners
  • Rupinder BrarTourism Leadership
  • Carol HayTourism Resilience
  • Iaia PedemonteResponsible Tourism
2020/2021 3 winners
  • Petra HedorferTourism Policy and Leadership
  • Sonal AsgotraaCommunity Development Through Tourism
  • Natalia BayonaInnovation and Empowerment of Women Through Tourism
2019 5 winners
  • H.E. Rania al MashatTourism Policy and Leadership
  • Elena KontouraTourism Strategy and Resilience
  • Helen MaranoBuilding Global Alliances that promote Tourism as a Force for Good
  • Jane MaddenSustainability and promoting Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Mechtild MaurerSocially Responsible Tourism
2018 5 winners
  • Sandra Howard TaylorTourism to Transform Communities
  • Isabel HillTourism Policy
  • Caroline BremnerTourism Research and Education
  • Daniela WagnerBuilding Global Alliances That Promote Tourism as a Force for Good
  • Dr. Jyotsna SuriTourism Leadership
2017 5 winners
  • Ishita KhannaCommunity Eco Tourism
  • Ha LamUsing Technology to Empower Local Communities
  • Claudia BrözelTourism Education
  • Ruth Hopfer-KubschResponsible Tourism
  • Mmatšatši RamawelaTourism Leadership
2016 5 winners
  • Dr. Nicole HäuslerCommunity Based Tourism
  • Aileen ClementeTourism and Peace
  • Dr. Dietlind von LassbergTourism Education
  • Jane AshtonTourism Sustainability
  • Valsa Nair SinghInnovation in Tourism