Challenging stereotypes, earning recognition and the next steps: Why MSC Cruises is sponsoring the Women In Travel Awards

Our highly anticipated Women In Travel Awards is fast approaching and the chance to boogie, pop some champas and celebrate our industry’s fabulous ladies couldn’t be any more exciting.

The level of excellence seen in these awards is absolutely stupendous so anyone talented enough to score a gong at the night of nights deserves to be celebrated (and could be your next boss in no time).

Making these awards possible (alongside the incredible ladies) are our sponsors who recognise that when women succeed in the travel industry, it only inspires others to strive for success.

One of our amazing sponsors for this year’s awards is MSC Cruises so we caught up with the cruise line’s managing director ANZ, Lisa Teiotu, to discuss why it decided to sponsor the awards.

“Supporting women in the travel industry brings the diverse perspectives and experiences that can lead to innovation and new ideas,” Teiotu said, adding that supporting women is an investment in both the personal and professional development of women and the growth and sustainability of the travel sector.

MSC champions a number of initiatives to elevate and support its female employees. Equal employment opportunities, leadership and mentor programs, career development, and fostering work-life balance are just some of the many ways that MSC recognises the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering female staff members.

The Women In Travel Awards focuses on highlighting individual achievement, something so important for the continued advancement of women in the workforce. Teiotu said that while the MSC office is a cohesive team, there are individuals that are instrumental in implementing ideas and strategies at the cruise line.

“By highlighting these individual achievements women are recognised for their significant contributions, especially when their achievements may not be visible,” she said.

“Recognising individual achievements provides aspiring women in the travel industry with role models. Seeing others being celebrated for their accomplishments can motivate other women to pursue a fulfilling career in the industry, with confidence.”

Teiotu commented that individual awards challenge gender stereotypes by showcasing women who have excelled in roles that were previously considered unconventional for women, such as cruise line leadership positions both shore side and ship side. 

“We would love to see more female Captains!” she added.

“Some women in the travel industry have made exceptional and groundbreaking contributions that deserve special recognition. Individual awards allow the industry to acknowledge these unique accomplishments with awards such as these serving to recognise, celebrate, and promote the exceptional talents and contributions of women across the industry.” 

Something we couldn’t agree upon more at Travel Weekly!

Of course, while these awards do its part to advance women in the travel industry, there remains room for improvement. Teiotu said that increasing the representation of women in leadership positions and supporting female entrepreneurship could help close this gap.

“Supporting women entrepreneurs in the travel industry can lead to the creation of more women-owned travel businesses. Access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities can help women start and grow their ventures,” she said.

So to support the female entrepreneurs, rising stars, masters of their game or your friend who’s entered the awards, purchase tickets here.

Big thanks to MSC Cruises for supporting women in the travel industry!