Recognized International Travel Leaders 2025

With 25 years in the travel industry across Europe, I have recently started my own business as a travel consultant. Leveraging my experiences as a tour guide in France, Norway and the Benelux, as well as resort work in other countries, I now help plan itineraries for independent travelers to Europe,

I’ve spent over seven years at Yonder Travel Insurance mastering the 'fine print' so travelers don't have to. My expertise lies in deconstructing complex policy language into clear, actionable advice, whether I’m recommending the ideal plan for a unique itinerary or guiding a client through the intricacies of the claims process. By maintaining key partnerships with top insurance providers, I stay at the forefront of industry trends to provide unbiased, expert insights that help travelers maximize their benefits and navigate the unexpected with confidence. I use this experience to craft insightful responses on behalf of Yonder to further educate the public on travel insurance, which you can explore in my featured articles section.

Licensed, insured, and bonded professional travel agent. I love to travel whether it be for adventure or relaxation. I love to share my passion of traveling with others. I have experience in booking travel of all kinds.

As the Senior Travel Writer and Content Marketer at Zicasso, I leverage my MFA in Creative Writing and over 10 years of experience in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry to create engaging and informative content that connects travelers with authentic and personalized experiences. I have established hundreds of articles, sample itineraries, bulletins, emails, blogs, and social media posts that showcase the diversity and richness of global destinations and cultures, while also developing and implementing SEO and advertising strategies that drive traffic and conversions. I manage and mentor a team of writers, researchers, and editors, and collaborate with travel partners and stakeholders to ensure quality and consistency across all platforms and channels. My passion is to build connection and trust through storytelling, and to inspire others to explore the world with curiosity and wonder.

As a Program Manager at SEEK, I manage the delivery of strategic programs for SEEK's AI platforms and services group, which aims to create a seamless and personalised experience for candidates and hirers across the Asia Pacific. I have over 10 years of experience in leading and executing complex technology projects across various industries, including government, higher education, and the private sector. I am passionate about solving seemingly impossible problems with creative and innovative solutions, leveraging my skills in leadership, strategy, business process optimisation, and IT project delivery. I have a Master of Technology in Computer Software Engineering and a Bachelor of Music in Performance. I am also a certified MSP Practitioner, ITIL certified and a certified mentor. I enjoy collaborating with diverse and talented teams, and contributing to SEEK's mission of helping people live more fulfilling and productive working lives.

I am a successful self-funded searcher and today am CEO of Affinity Travel Co (corporate offsites, alumni, and educational travel) and Women Travel Abroad (boutique women's group trips around the globe). My first job out of college was at a travel company in Morocco, starting its group travel division. I believe that group travel is a powerful way to create community and intercultural exchange globally. Today, I'm so excited to have returned to the travel industry and be able to continue to help others see the world and learn about themselves along the way. Prior to searching and acquiring these travel businesses, I was a private equity operating executive, running an MSP on behalf of Evergreen growing adj EBTIDA 30% YoY. I have a MBA from Duke University and a BS in International Relations from Georgetown University.

My name is Kristen and I have traveled, lived and worked all across the globe for over a decade. In 2013, after nearly a decade building a career in corporate marketing in NYC, I left it all behind to travel solo across 3 continents and 26 countries. From there I became a scuba diving instructor, and spent the next 10 years living and working in Thailand, Mexico, St. Croix and Florida. In 2017, I was voted PADI's Inspiring Woman Diver of the Year. Beginning in 2024 I joined Fora as a luxury travel planner and have launched my own travel brand and blog, Dear Destination Travel, so that I could help inspire others to make their travel dreams and goals come to life. I have now traveled to 6 continents and over 35 countries. My website, deardestinationtravel.com, is a complete travel resource and inspiration hub.

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

I'm Alena Warfield, with Vincent Vacations and All Inclusive Weddings. As a dedicated travel advisor, I specialize in turning your travel dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for the perfect getaway to a dreamy destination, organizing an unforgettable group trip, or seeking a customized itinerary tailored to your unique preferences, I’m here to craft experiences that inspire and delight. Let’s make your next journey one to remember!

China Travel Expert & Cultural Insider Experience at crafting immersive journeys across China, I specialize in unveiling authentic stories behind this vast nation. From ancient Silk Road cities of Xinjiang to misty rice terraces of Guilin, I help travelers and media navigate China's cultural treasures beyond the typical tourist trail. As a bilingual China travel specialist, I offer insider perspectives on: Emerging destinations and hidden gems across China's diverse regions Cultural etiquette, local traditions, and cross-cultural insights Sustainable and responsible tourism in sensitive areas Silk Road history and its modern-day significance Regional cuisine, from Uyghur pilaf to Sichuan hotpot Navigating China's evolving travel regulations Off-the-beaten-path adventures for discerning travelers I work with journalists, travel writers, and content creators seeking authentic China stories beyond the headlines. Whether you need expert commentary on travel trends, destination features, or cultural insights, I provide nuanced perspectives rooted in firsthand experience and deep local connections. Available for interviews, podcast appearances, article contributions, and expert commentary on China travel and culture. Martina

Hannah Snyder Wernecke is a Partner at Snyder Funeral Homes, Ohio’s largest family-owned funeral group, and a fourth-generation funeral director who has written thousands of obituaries published nationwide. She helps families across Ohio through life’s hardest moments while also leading the firm’s digital strategy and brand innovation. Outside of funeral service, Hannah is a world traveler (38 countries, all Seven Wonders), keeps a digital scrapbook at SeeThePyramids.org, co-creates the musical duo Vin Fiz (streaming everywhere), and co-founded the history-inspired apparel brand GhostedbyHistory.com (👻⏳🪡). Hannah speaks Spanish, ranks among the top 10% of Unsplash contributors for her travel photography, and is proudly married to Dantan Wernecke—a historian, French and Farsi linguist, and superb home chef. Her favorite film is Clue—because life rarely has just one ending.

With over 24 years of hands-on experience in trade finance and banking, I help businesses navigate the complexities of International Trade with confidence. My expertise covers the full spectrum of Letters of Credit (LCs)—including Documentary Credits, Usance LCs, Back-to-Back LCs, and Standby LCs—ensuring every transaction is smooth, compliant, and risk-mitigated. I work closely with exporters, importers, banks, and logistics providers to bridge gaps and streamline cross-border deals. My knowledge spans Finance, Accounting, Banking, UCP 600, ISBP 821, Incoterms 2020, and the latest in Trade Finance—from blockchain-enabled LCs to electronic documentation platforms. Over the years, I’ve guided exporters, importers, SMEs, and entrepreneurs as they expand into international markets. Whether you’re already trading globally or just starting your export journey, my goal is to provide expert guidance and practical tools to help you reduce risks and seize opportunities in global trade.

Tim Kroeger is the founder of Universal Traveller and a luxury wellness travel specialist based in Bangkok. After 15+ years of nonstop travel across 110+ countries, constant flights and jet lag pushed him to shift from chasing “more places” to protecting better energy. Today, he writes and speaks about travel recovery—how sleep, nervous system regulation, movement, and environment determine whether a trip restores you or drains you. He reviews luxury wellness hotels and spas through a performance lens, combining firsthand testing with expert insights from Beyond the Spa and global industry roundups.

I have a role as a senior Risk and Assurance Advisor at Wesley Mission Queensland. I have been a Forensic Accountant with over 25 years experience in litigation support, fraud investigation, fraud risk assessments and criminal defence. I have a special interest in preventing fraud in Not-for-Profit organisations.

As the one of the Director of Travelosei, I have been providing the best tour guides to various hotels, resorts, MNCs, and embassies in India for over 14 years. I have a passion for making the guests' visits to the sights in India memorable and cherished, and I have received multiple appreciation certificates from prestigious clients such as the US Embassy, The Lodhi, and the UK Royalty.With a graduate degree in Microbiology and a license and certificate in Tourism from the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, I have a unique combination of knowledge and skills that enable me to offer high-quality and customized services to diverse and demanding customers. I specialize in working with corporate houses, multinational companies, embassies, and luxury hotels.

I am an online entrepreneur, author, and travel scholar specializing in high-end travel, cultural exploration, and local destination experiences. As the founder of Paradize.life, a travel website dedicated to collecting luxury destination knowledge, I am an expert in helping travelers find unique experiences, local secrets, and personalized itineraries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. My area of expertise is deep travel research and writing, where I track future trends, review top destinations, and create content to inform and motivate modern travelers. Although I have not visited each country personally, my strength is transforming in-depth research into clear, informative, and SEO-optimized content connecting travelers with luxury services, from private jet charters to luxury resorts and unique tours.

Sandals #1 US Travel Agency... Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rivage Travel Consulting & www.BestCaribbeanResorts.com is a boutique travel consultant group owned by husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Angela Patton. As Sandals specialists with over 15 years of expertise, we have personally visited every resort and booked over 2,000 client trips to Sandals, earning recognition as the 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency in the USA and ranking among the top seven travel advisors nationwide. Being in the top 1% of all US travel advisors, our Diamond Elite status with Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club means we have insider knowledge and experience when it comes Sandals & Beaches resorts. TRAVEL AWARDS & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Sandals Resorts Awards 2026 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2025 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – USA 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – South East 2024 Top Sandals Butler Elite Travel Agency 2024 Top Sandals Island Routes Agency - Worldwide 2024 Top 10 Independent Sandals Travel Agency – Worldwide 2024 Sandals Million Dollar Club 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club

Maina is a tourism professional with extensive experience working at eminent East African brands such as Elewana Collection, Soroi Collection and Angama. She has a love for storytelling, and for the behind-the-scenes intersections where travel, conservation, and relationships converge.