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Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays, and New Destinations

Meet 20 Travel and Tourism Leaders shaping flights, hotels, destinations, and booking tools in 2026, with clear insights into trends, leadership styles, and decisions that impact travelers worldwide.
Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
In This Article

Travel and tourism leaders keep the industry moving forward as people pack their bags in record numbers. Global travel has regained its momentum, with international arrivals projected to cross 1.5 billion worldwide and the sector contributing nearly $12 trillion to the global economy. These figures signal more than recovery and show how deeply travel is embedded in everyday life, shaping family holidays, remote work, and international business.

At the center of this growth are executives who run airlines, hotel groups, travel platforms, and tourism boards. Travel and tourism leaders make decisions that affect flight routes, hotel prices, and where investment flows next. Leaders like Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum at Emirates have guided major airlines through expansion and recovery. At the same time, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais at UN Tourism works with governments to set shared goals for the sector. Their choices influence how travel works behind the scenes.

For travelers, this leadership shows up in practical ways. It can mean better flight options across Europe, new places opening up for tourism, or a stronger push toward responsible travel in the US and beyond. This article examines the key trends shaping 2026 and introduces 20 influential leaders, evenly split between men and women, who are leaving a clear mark on how people travel today and what comes next.

2026 Industry Megatrends

Tech changes how people book and enjoy trips. Booking apps suggest stays and flights based on budget and past choices, while some airlines are testing systems that change prices as demand shifts. Hotels are also updating their apps so guests can set room temperature or lighting before they arrive. For families and couples, these small changes make travel feel more manageable and less stressful.

At the same time, travelers are paying closer attention to waste and environmental impact. Many large hotel brands have replaced plastic bottles with refill stations and are working toward using solar power across their properties. Popular islands and national parks are setting limits to protect coral reefs and walking trails. Groups like Red Sea Global are investing in resorts that respect local ecosystems, attracting visitors who care about responsible travel, especially from the US and Europe.​

New experiences pull in adventure seekers. Short space flights open to wealthy travelers, while underwater hotels and VR previews of far-off spots gain buzz. Governments fund events that blend culture and tech, such as drone shows at festivals. Groups like UN Tourism back plans for off-season travel to spread crowds evenly.

Trend2025 Status2026 Expected Shift
AI Booking ToolsUsed in 30% of appsPowers 60% of custom trips
Sustainable Operations40% hotels go plastic-free75% target carbon-neutral sites
Adventure ExperiencesVR trials at 10 resortsSpace access for 1,000 clients
Off Peak Promotions15% rise in shoulder seasons35% bookings via incentives

The 20 Travel and Tourism Leaders Defining How the World Travels

I. Men Driving Growth Across Airlines, Airports, and Destinations

1. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – mena.entrepreneur.com
  • Age: 67 (born December 1958)
  • Net Worth: Estimated $5.2 billion
  • Country: UAE
  • Position: Chairman and CEO, Emirates Airlines and Group
  • Primary Income: Airlines and aviation holdings

Sheikh Ahmed began his aviation career in 1985 with just two aircraft operating out of Dubai. Today, Emirates flies millions of passengers each year to more than 140 destinations worldwide. Direct routes from major US cities such as New York and Los Angeles have shortened travel time for business and leisure travelers heading to Asia and beyond. Alongside Emirates, he chairs Dubai Airports and flydubai, helping turn Dubai into a global hub for long-haul travel.

Under his leadership, the Emirates Group employs over 100,000 people and plays a central role in Dubai’s economy. Western travelers feel his influence through premium cabins, high-end lounges, and smoother airport transfers that make long layovers more comfortable. His focus on sustainable aviation fuel and digital check-in systems has helped the airline stay resilient during periods of global disruption, securing his place among the most influential travel and tourism leaders today.

2. Fahd Hamidaddin

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – saudiwins.com
  • Age: 55 
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Position: CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority
  • Primary Income: Public sector tourism development

Fahd Hamidaddin leads Saudi Arabia’s effort to attract 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. His work has opened destinations such as Diriyah and Red Sea coastal developments to international audiences. The rollout of streamlined e visa systems has made travel easier for European and American visitors, driving strong growth from Western markets.

Hamidaddin works closely with private developers to build resorts, entertainment venues, and event infrastructure that encourage longer stays and higher spending. Western travelers now find luxury desert camps, music festivals, and beach destinations that compete with established global hotspots. His focus on year-round tourism helps balance peak seasons, while new direct flights from cities like London and Chicago make Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever.

3. Badr Mohammed Al Meer

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – samchui.com
  • Age: 48 
  • Net Worth: Estimated $1.8 billion
  • Country: Qatar
  • Position: Group CEO, Qatar Airways
  • Primary Income: Airlines

Badr Al Meer has guided Qatar Airways to repeated top rankings among global airlines, supported by a fleet serving more than 170 destinations. He placed strong emphasis on onboard connectivity, ensuring reliable Wi Fi even on long ocean crossings, a significant advantage for remote workers and business travelers flying between the US and Doha.

The airline expanded its use of sustainable aviation fuel on long-haul routes and strengthened cargo operations that support global supply chains. Western passengers benefit from free stopover programs that include hotel stays, turning transits into short city breaks. Partnerships with American carriers have also made connections to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia smoother and more efficient.

4. Paul Griffiths

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – forbesmiddleeast.com
  • Age: 62
  • Net Worth: Estimated $2.1 billion
  • Country: UK and UAE
  • Position: CEO, Dubai Airports
  • Primary Income: Aviation infrastructure

Paul Griffiths oversees Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub, handling more than 90 million passengers annually. Expansion plans aim to push capacity beyond 100 million, supported by upgraded terminals, premium retail spaces, and dining options that appeal to long-haul travelers.

For passengers transiting from North America, smart gates reduce immigration wait times, while lounges offer showers, rest areas, and workspaces. Griffiths has invested in electric ground vehicles and greener runway operations to cut emissions. His background in UK aviation brings operational efficiency, helping Dubai Airports maintain smooth connections across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

5. Raed bin Hassan Alidrissi

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – forbesmiddleeast.com
  • Age: 47 
  • Net Worth: Estimated $1.5 billion
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Position: CEO, MATARAT Holding
  • Primary Income: Airport development and operations

Raed Alidrissi manages Saudi Arabia’s airport network, including large-scale expansions at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. His long-term strategy targets hundreds of millions of passengers, positioning Riyadh as a key transit point between East and West. Western travelers benefit from new direct routes, faster security processes, and biometric systems that reduce waiting times.

He partners with international aviation firms to raise service standards to match leading global airports. Alongside tourism growth, Alidrissi balances religious travel during peak pilgrimage seasons. Solar-powered terminals and airport-linked hotels and retail zones help turn Saudi airports into integrated travel hubs, reinforcing the country’s growing role in global travel and tourism leaders’ circles.

6. Hesham Al Qassim

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – arabianbusiness.com
  • Age: 61 
  • Net Worth: Estimated $2.4 billion
  • Country: UAE
  • Position: Founder and Chairman, Wasl Group
  • Primary Income: Hospitality and real estate

Hesham Al Qassim grew Wasl Group from a modest real estate venture into one of Dubai’s largest hospitality operators, managing more than 50,000 hotel keys across the emirate and nearby markets. His portfolio ranges from affordable city stays to beachfront luxury properties along Jumeirah, appealing to American families seeking value without sacrificing location or comfort.

He introduced asset-light management models that enable Wasl to operate hotels for third-party owners, accelerating expansion in emerging destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah. Western guests recognize his influence through familiar amenities such as international dining brands, family-friendly pools, and consistent service standards across properties. Al Qassim also invests in innovative room systems that control lighting and cooling through apps, cutting energy use while improving guest comfort. Partnerships with global hotel brands continue to bring trusted names to the Gulf.

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7. Sandeep Walia

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – connectingtravel.com
  • Age: 51 
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: India and the UAE
  • Position: President, Marriott International MENA
  • Primary Income: Hotels

Sandeep Walia leads Marriott’s rapid expansion across the Middle East and North Africa, with more than 200 hotels in development from Morocco to Oman. As one of the prominent travel and tourism leaders, he has brought brands such as Westin, Sheraton, and The Ritz-Carlton into new markets, supported by loyalty programs that allow US travelers to earn and redeem points seamlessly across regions.

He places strong emphasis on wellness-focused properties, blending regional traditions like hammam treatments with modern gyms and yoga programs popular with travelers from the US and Europe. Walia also kept development on track during supply chain disruptions, ensuring hotel openings met demand during peak travel seasons. Business travelers benefit from high-speed connectivity and meeting spaces designed for hybrid events, while leisure guests are drawn to bundled packages that include city tours and desert experiences.

8. John Pagano

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – digitalmag.theceomagazine.com
  • Age: 49
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: UK and Saudi Arabia
  • Position: CEO, Red Sea Global
  • Primary Income: Luxury destination development

John Pagano oversees the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast into a high-end destination built around conservation and controlled access. His projects feature island resorts, overwater villas, and coral safe marinas designed to protect marine ecosystems while offering premium experiences. This approach appeals to Western travelers seeking privacy and nature, free from mass tourism.

Pagano secured multibillion-dollar funding to develop dozens of hotels and a dedicated airport, while limiting visitor numbers to protect sensitive environments. Helicopter transfers from major Saudi cities add to the sense of exclusivity, often at prices below those of comparable island destinations. His teams work with marine scientists to monitor reef health, turning stays into educational experiences. Investor interest from Europe and the US continues to grow as Red Sea Global blends luxury with long-term preservation goals.

9. Jerry Inzerillo

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – mena.entrepreneur.com
  • Age: 59
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: United States and Saudi Arabia
  • Position: Group CEO, Diriyah Company
  • Primary Income: Heritage and cultural tourism

Jerry Inzerillo applies decades of experience from the US hospitality sector to Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Riyadh. His work restored historic mud brick structures and introduced luxury hotels, artisan markets, and public spaces that respect the area’s cultural roots. As one of the influential leaders in travel and tourism, he has helped turn the destination into a draw for visitors interested in history, architecture, and curated cultural events.

He expanded offerings with walking trails, cycling paths, and evening programs that enhance the visitor experience without overwhelming the site. For Western travelers, clear signage, English-speaking guides, and direct flight access make visits straightforward. Inzerillo also prioritizes local employment, relying on regional artisans for restoration projects. Diriyah’s growing calendar of art fairs, food festivals, and concerts positions it as a cultural destination with global appeal.

10. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – hoteliermiddleeast.com
  • Age: 53 
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: UAE
  • Position: Director, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
  • Primary Income: Culture and tourism development

Saleh Al Geziry has played a central role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading cultural destination. Under his leadership, institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi attracted global attention through targeted campaigns in North America and Europe. Coordinated transport options and combined ticketing help visitors experience multiple sites in a single trip.

He strengthened partnerships with hotels to create stay-and-experience packages that drive visits during quieter periods. Cultural events featuring both established and emerging artists generate international interest, particularly among US audiences. Family-friendly attractions, desert experiences, and clear digital guides enhance accessibility for first-time visitors. His work places Abu Dhabi firmly among regions shaped by influential travel and tourism leaders, with culture positioned as a core draw rather than an add-on. 

II. Women At The Center of Global Travel Leadership

11. Fatim-Zahra Ammor

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – premiumtravelnews.com
  • Age: 52
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: Morocco
  • Position: Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social Economy
  • Primary Income: Public policy and tourism development

Fatim-Zahra Ammor has led Morocco’s tourism rebound by linking coastal resorts, mountain regions, and cultural centers into a more balanced visitor economy. Her ministry supports craft markets where local artisans sell rugs, pottery, and textiles directly to travelers, keeping revenue within communities and attracting buyers from France and the US seeking authentic goods. Visa waivers for American visitors helped lift arrivals sharply, while funding for solar-powered eco lodges expanded tourism into rural areas.

For Western families, this approach opens access to kid-friendly riads with pools, food workshops, and guided cultural activities. Ammor works closely with airlines to expand direct routes from New York, reducing travel time and connections. Seasonal festivals now help fill hotels outside peak months, while programs supporting women artisans have created thousands of jobs. Her work places her firmly among respected travel and tourism leaders shaping inclusive growth.

12. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – linkedin.com
  • Age: 45
  • Net Worth: Estimated $0.9 billion
  • Country: UAE
  • Position: Executive Director, UN Tourism (Secretary-General)
  • Primary Income: International organizations and hospitality

Shaikha Al Nowais leads UN Tourism as its first female head, guiding policy frameworks followed by more than 160 countries. Drawing on her background at Rotana Hotels, she understands both ownership and operational needs, and now promotes global standards for safer booking systems and more precise travel data. Western travelers benefit from destination insights that help avoid overcrowded cities while highlighting lesser-known alternatives.

She chairs initiatives that train women for hospitality roles and supports scholarships for tourism management students from the US and Europe. Al Nowais promotes practical responsibility measures, including tools that track emissions across flights and stays. Her ability to align governments, airlines, and private operators helps keep international travel accessible while addressing long-term challenges tied to growth and sustainability.

13. Elena Sorlini

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – mena.entrepreneur.com
  • Age: 50
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: Italy and the UAE
  • Position: CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports
  • Primary Income: Airport management

Elena Sorlini oversees Abu Dhabi Airports with a strong focus on efficiency and passenger comfort. Facilities under her leadership handle tens of millions of travelers each year, supported by terminals that rely on solar energy and recycle the majority of operational waste. Facial recognition systems cut arrival processing times for US passengers, while lounges offer familiar dining options alongside regional cuisine.

She expanded cargo operations to support exports to Europe and introduced family areas that ease long layovers. Sorlini brings European operational discipline to large-scale Gulf infrastructure, investing in multilingual staff training and modern logistics tools. Her work strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a key transit hub and places her among influential travel and tourism leaders shaping airport experiences.

14. Gloria Guevara

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – hosteltur.com
  • Age: 60 
  • Net Worth: Estimated $0.5 billion
  • Country: Mexico
  • Position: Former WTTC CEO, Senior Advisor
  • Primary Income: Associations and consulting

Gloria Guevara played a central role in rebuilding global travel employment after the pandemic through her leadership at the World Travel and Tourism Council. She helped guide destinations in the Americas toward safer operations and stronger demand, particularly in Mexico and the Caribbean. Her work supported resort regions that appeal to US travelers seeking reliable infrastructure and clear safety standards.

Guevara continues to advise governments and private operators on resilience planning, visa cooperation, and workforce training. She promotes eco-focused destinations such as Costa Rica and supports digital education programs that help local workers build hospitality skills. Her guidance influences both policy and investment decisions across the Western Hemisphere.

15. Jane Sun

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – tatlerasia.com
  • Age: 58 
  • Net Worth: Estimated $1.2 billion
  • Country: China and the United States
  • Position: CEO, Trip.com Group
  • Primary Income: Online travel platforms and technology

Jane Sun leads one of the world’s largest travel booking platforms, serving millions of users across hotels, flights, and transport services. Her team expanded English language support and virtual hotel tours, making trips to Asia easier for American travelers. Review-based recommendations and bundled services help first-time visitors plan with confidence.

She also pushed Trip.com’s growth across Europe, adding rail tickets and visa support into a single platform. Partnerships with US airlines improved cross-border connectivity, while tools for expense tracking and family-focused filters widened appeal. Sun’s ability to blend technology with user needs secures her place among modern travel and tourism leaders, influencing how global travel is booked. 

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16. Sara Ahmed Buhiji

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – bizzbuzz.news
  • Age: 47 
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: Bahrain
  • Position: CEO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority; Exhibition World Bahrain
  • Primary Income: Tourism promotion and large-scale events

Sara Ahmed Buhiji drives Bahrain’s visitor economy through large-scale events hosted at Exhibition World Bahrain, which attracts more than two million visitors each year. Under her leadership, global concerts, trade fairs, and business expos draw European and international audiences through short regional flights. Formula 1 weekends are packaged with beachfront resorts, filling hotels with race fans from the US and Europe.

She strengthens off-season demand through food festivals that highlight Bahraini flavors and pearl heritage, appealing to Western travelers seeking cultural depth alongside leisure. Family-friendly event zones include interactive activities and nearby water attractions, extending the length of stays. Buhiji also invests in English language digital tools that provide real-time schedules and navigation, positioning Bahrain as an easy alternative to more crowded Gulf destinations. Her work places her among the region’s influential leaders in travel and tourism.

17. Qusai Al Fakhri

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – forbesmiddleeast.com
  • Age: 46
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Position: CEO, Tourism Development Fund
  • Primary Income: Tourism investment and financing

Qusai Al Fakhri oversees more than ten billion dollars in tourism investments through Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund. His team finances over a thousand hotel, resort, and attraction projects that support job creation across the kingdom. Many funded developments include partnerships with US and European operators, offering international investors predictable returns backed by clear sustainability standards.

Al Fakhri places strong emphasis on regional destinations such as AlUla, where boutique hotels and cultural attractions appeal to Western travelers interested in history and nature. Funded projects often include family-friendly facilities near heritage trails, broadening appeal beyond luxury travelers. By tying financing to green building requirements, he ensures new developments meet environmental expectations common among North American and European visitors.

18. Abeer Al Akel

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – saudiwins.com
  • Age: 44 
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Position: CEO, Royal Commission for AlUla
  • Primary Income: Heritage destination development

Abeer Al Akel leads the transformation of AlUla into a carefully managed heritage destination that balances preservation with premium travel experiences. Seasonal festivals and cultural programming have significantly increased interest from US travelers, supported by private aviation access and curated itineraries. Visitor caps protect ancient rock formations while allowing high-quality experiences that rival those of other global heritage sites.

Western couples book balloon flights over Hegra and guided experiences paired with local cuisine and wellness activities—partnerships with international hospitality brands support luxury tented stays that blend history with modern comfort. Al Akel also funds women-led guiding programs, adding authentic storytelling that resonates with Western media. She is widely regarded as one of the key leaders in travel and tourism, driving heritage-based development.

19. Shaikha Al Kaabi

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – forbesmiddleeast.com_
  • Age: 42
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: UAE
  • Position: CEO, Erth Abu Dhabi
  • Primary Income: Sustainable hospitality and events

Shaikha Al Kaabi develops hospitality and event concepts centered on environmental responsibility through Erth Abu Dhabi. Her team pioneered large-scale zero-waste events using compostable materials, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Eco-focused resorts feature tidal energy systems and mangrove surroundings, appealing to Western travelers seeking nature-based stays with modern comforts.

Guests take part in farm-to-table experiences, wellness retreats, and guided nature walks designed to extend their stays beyond short visits. Family-friendly programs include wildlife observation and outdoor learning activities. Al Kaabi also introduced digital tools that help guests track and offset travel emissions, aligning with sustainability expectations common among American and European visitors.

20. Alison Grinnell

Travel and Tourism Leaders Behind Better Flights, Smarter Stays | The Enterprise World
Source – forbesmiddleeast.com
  • Age: 48
  • Net Worth: Not disclosed
  • Country: UAE
  • Position: Group CEO, RAK Hospitality Holding
  • Primary Income: Hospitality management

Alison Grinnell manages a diverse portfolio of more than 7,000 hotel rooms across Ras Al Khaimah, ranging from affordable beachfront resorts to high-end cliffside properties. Her strategy targets Western adventure travelers through activities such as zip lining, hiking, and water sports, paired with direct flight access and simple booking partnerships.

She boosted year-round occupancy through wellness programs that combine outdoor exploration with cultural experiences like falconry. Properties offer familiar dining options and leisure facilities that appeal to American and European families. Grinnell also expanded electric vehicle infrastructure across resorts, supporting road travel from neighboring emirates. Her leadership places her firmly among modern travel and tourism leaders shaping destination value. 



Leadership Archetypes

Travel and tourism leaders influence the industry in different ways. Some focus on long-term ideas, others on execution, systems, or policy. Grouping them into leadership archetypes makes it easier to see how their decisions affect travelers, companies, and markets.

→ Visionaries

Visionaries focus on what travel can become next. They invest early in new ideas and push brands to evolve before demand becomes obvious. These leaders take calculated risks on digital loyalty programs, new guest experiences, and emerging technology. Executives at global hotel groups such as Marriott fit this profile, using data-driven memberships and digital engagement tools to keep travelers loyal beyond price alone.

→ Operators

Operators keep the industry running at scale. Their strength lies in execution, reliability, and consistency. They manage complex networks, control costs, and expand without losing service standards. Airline leaders like Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum at Emirates represent this group, overseeing route growth, fleet expansion, and operational stability across global markets.

→ Innovators

Innovators change how travel works behind the scenes. They focus on systems, platforms, and more innovative processes rather than public visibility. Leaders at major booking companies and airlines fall into this category, using advanced data tools to improve pricing accuracy, reduce booking friction, and personalize travel choices based on behavior rather than guesswork.

→ Advocates

Advocates work at the policy and coordination level. They bring governments, businesses, and institutions together to align goals around sustainability, access, and long-term development. Figures like Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais at UN Tourism lead through cooperation, setting shared priorities that guide how destinations grow and manage demand. 

Leadership Lessons

These leaders share practical tips that anyone in travel or business can use right now. They come from years of handling crises, growth spurts, and team building across airlines and resorts. Western execs and startups adopt them for quick wins in competitive markets.​

First, bet on people over plans. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum grew Emirates by hiring talent early and giving them room to lead projects. He kept staff through downturns by setting clear goals and tying bonuses to passenger numbers. Teams that feel ownership deliver better service, like the cabin crews who spot issues before they bother guests. This approach works for small hotels too, where loyal front desk folks turn one-time visitors into regulars.

Second, mix bold risks with data checks. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer launched Qatar Airways’ sustainable fuels after pilot tests showed cost savings on long flights. He reviews numbers weekly to spot trends, such as which US routes fill business class fastest. Jane Sun at Trip.com runs A-B tests on app features, rolling out winners that boost bookings by double digits. Leaders who act fast but measure results avoid flops and scale hits.

  • Embrace local roots for global reach: Fatim-Zahra Ammor ties Moroccan crafts to tourism, creating jobs and unique sells that US shoppers share online.
  • Build for families first: Elena Sorlini adds play zones at airports, reducing parents’ stress and increasing dwell time in shops.
  • Partner across borders: Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais links governments for visa deals, easing trips from Europe to Asia.

Third, stay ahead of green demands. John Pagano at Red Sea Global designs resorts that generate more power than they consume, winning contracts from eco-funds. Travelers pick these spots, and regulators approve faster. Paul Griffiths upgrades runways with solar power, cutting bills by 30 percent while airports earn green labels that attract premium airlines.

2026 Outlook

Leaders across travel expect space tourism to move closer to reality for high-net-worth travelers. Firms partner with aerospace companies and regional airports in Texas to offer short suborbital flights with a few minutes of weightless views, with prices falling below $500,000 per seat. Jane Sun prepares Trip.com to support these bookings by pairing flight experiences with luxury ground stays.

Climate-smart resorts continue to gain traction. Floating hotels that adjust with sea levels attract travelers seeking comfort without environmental tradeoffs. Cynthia Carris Alonso explores cruise-linked island stops in the Caribbean powered by wave and solar energy, while John Pagano applies similar conservation-driven technology at Red Sea developments.

AI companions shift from planning tools to full travel assistants. Voice-driven systems handle itinerary updates, dining suggestions, and on-site requests. Kate Kronenberg tests this at Inspirato villas, while Badr Mohammed Al-Meer rolls out onboard versions at Qatar Airways to anticipate passenger needs before departure.

Off-grid escapes grow in demand. Remote lodges in Alaska and thermal retreats in Iceland draw travelers seeking digital breaks. Fatim Zahra Ammor promotes Morocco’s desert regions as no-signal zones, with visitor caps and lottery bookings used to protect the quiet and limit crowding. 



Conclusion

These 20 figures show how competent leadership continues to push travel forward through practical decisions and long-term thinking. From expanding air routes and improving airport flow to backing cleaner hotels and more innovative booking tools, their choices directly affect how people plan and experience trips. For travelers across the US and Europe, this leadership often means better flight options, more reliable stays, and destinations that fit real-world needs rather than trends alone. As travel and tourism leaders, their influence reaches from pricing and access to comfort and sustainability.

Keeping an eye on what these leaders do next can pay off. Following their LinkedIn updates often reveals early signals about new routes, hotel openings, or significant events. Subscribing to newsletters from groups such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Trip.com helps travelers catch early offers and planning windows before prices rise. Sharing this list with friends or family can also make group travel easier, especially when using loyalty perks and bundled deals shaped by the same leaders driving change across the industry. 

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