Hello fabulous women of travel and hospitality! 

With Daylight Savings Time (DST) in full effect, I can honestly say I’m feeling a sense of hopefulness that I haven’t felt for a while. Despite the fact that spring doesn’t technically start for another five days, it really does feels like spring has sprung! There’s also a sense of hopefulness on the travel horizon, at least according to Longwoods International’s recently published travel sentiment report, which surveyed American travelers. The report, published last week, found that 84 percent of respondents have travel plans in the next six months, which is the highest level since the early days of the pandemic a year ago. And the percentage of travelers who said the coronavirus will greatly impact their travel plans has dropped to a third, down from a pandemic peak of two-thirds last April.

“Travel planning continues to accelerate as improving pandemic and vaccine data is released,” said Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, in a press release announcing the launch of the report. “Barring another surge in infections, the beginning of the travel industry recovery appears on target during 2021.”

Of course, despite the good news, there are still hurdles the travel and hospitality industry has to overcome. But don’t fear, Women Leading Travel & Hospitality is here to help. Members can be a part of our monthly peer groups, where we talk through everything from back-to-office policies to career development in the never normal, and everything in between. If you would like to learn more about Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, along with information about its peer groups, click here. We’d love for you to be a part of our community!

Register for Women in Retail Leadership Days

Women in Retail Leadership Circle, sister brand of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, is hosting its second Women in Retail Leadership Days, taking place March 23 to April 13, and we’d love for you to attend! The event’s agenda is filled with bite-sized sessions spread out over four weeks. There’s inspiring content planned as well as some unique bells and whistles for you to enjoy. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:

  • Inspiring Speakers: Rebecca Minkoff, co-founder and creative director, Rebecca Minkoff; Gina Drosos, CEO, Signet Jewelers; Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO, Bigelow Tea; Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO, Girls Who Code; Kara Goldin, founder and CEO, Hint Inc.; Lori Allen, founder, Bridals by Lori and host of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta“; Stephanie Stuckey, CEO, Stuckey’s; Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient; Kim Scott, co-founder, Radical Candor; and more!
  • Unique Networking Opportunities: Join fun and interactive networking sessions with other attendees, as well as virtual idea exchanges — i.e., discussions moderated by Women in Retail Leadership Circle board members on topics such as return-to-office strategies, keeping employees motivated, being a socially responsible company, and more.
  • Author Workshops: Attendees will have the chance to discuss some of their favorite leadership and health-and-wellness books with the authors who wrote them! Attendees receive a digital chapter of each book and choose the meetup they would like to attend.
  • Free Coaching Opportunities: During our very first virtual “Coaches Corner,” attendees can sign up for 30-minute virtual meetings with Women in Retail Leadership Circle-certified coaches, who are offering 10 hours to 15 hours of free coaching over the duration of the event.

The overriding theme of this year’s Women in Retail Leadership Days is holistic leadership. That theme will be woven into all of our content throughout the event. We’ll touch on the balance of mind, body and spirit in both your personal and professional lives.

Register today to save your spot!

Have a great week!

Melissa