Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by King Charles III in recognition of her services to business and tourism.
Jo Rzymowska, meanwhile, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in acknowledgement of her decades of tireless advocacy for, and leadership on, travel’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) mission.
Advantage described Lo Bue-Said, whose 30 years of service to the consortium was celebrated at Advantage’s annual conference last month, as one of the UK travel industry’s "pre-eminent leaders" who had transformed the business "with vigour and energy" since being promoted to chief executive in April 2018.
The consortium now oversees transactional turnover of £17 billion throughout its global membership, which Lo Bue-Said expects to grow to exceed £20 billion in the next 18 months to two years.
Advantage said Lo Bue-Said had, during the pandemic, become a high-profile spokesperson for the industry and active contributor to government roundtables, and was now contributing to efforts to lobby the government on behalf of travel as a leading figure in the Advantage-led UK Outbound Travel group, which has combined membership of more than 1,200 SMEs.
"This honour reflects not only my personal journey, but the importance of our industry and its economic contribution, the exceptional people and talent at the heart of the industry, as well as the incredible support, collaboration, and inspiration I have received throughout my career," said Lo Bue-Said.
"The UK outbound travel industry stands as a genuine economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to our nation’s prosperity and global reputation. Travel agents and travel management companies continue to reinvent themselves as trusted advisors, skilled problem-solvers and dedicated professionals who add tremendous value not only to our economy but to the lives of millions of travellers.
"Receiving this recognition during my 30th year with Advantage makes this honour even more meaningful. I remain deeply committed to continuing the vital work of elevating our industry’s profile and ensuring that travel professionals receive the recognition they so richly deserve."
Rzymowska, meanwhile, is best known for the 18 years she spent at Royal Caribbean Group, where she held various senior leadership roles before latterly becoming vice-president and managing director EMEA of Celebrity Cruises, a role she vacated in June 2023.
She has served as executive sponsor for employee resource groups, championed the Pride at Sea programme and rolled out training and tools to help travel agents amd staff better serve LGBTQ+ travellers.
Rzymowska, who now sits on the board of Hays Travel, also played a key role in launching the All Inclusive Photo Project, which aimed to change how travellers from different backgrounds are portrayed in mainstream marketing and was at the forefront of Celebrity’s decision to become the first US cruise line to embrace legal same-sex marriages at sea.
Reflecting on her honour, Rzymowska said: "Receiving this honour is truly humbling. I’ve been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of so many who believed in me, encouraged me, and reminded me that difference is a strength.
"From my parents’ open-door policy to the brave colleagues and mentors who shaped and guided me, their support is woven into every step I’ve taken. Diversity and inclusion are not just values, they’re a way of life.”
She credits her upbringing for her inclusive worldview after growing up with her German-Jewish mother and a Polish-Catholic father – both of whom escaped Nazi Germany and went on to create a home where "everyone was welcome".
In the next stage of her career, Rzymowska wants to inspire change through her consultancy, Jovolution, by championing DEI as a powerful driver of business success for both purpose and profit.
Jovolution works with businesses to "unlock strategic clarity, build inclusive cultures, mentor future leaders and guide growth with purpose". Speaking to TTG before she stepped down from her role with Celebrity, Rzymowska said: "It’s evolving, not retiring – I want to use everything I’ve learned to give back."
Rzymowska also sits on the WOW Foundation’s development committee, where women and their non-binary-led brand owners can showcase their products, and is a committed everywoman ambassador, helping to advance gender equality worldwide.
She added: “Now, more than ever, this work matters. I’m incredibly thankful to be recognised, but I know the job isn’t done. Progress is fragile, and the greatest threat we face is indifference. We can’t stay quiet; we must stand up, speak out, and keep pushing for a world where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.”
