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Travel 'lacks psychological safety' for women and must address 'invisible barrier'

Social equality
Maddie Barber
13 July 2026

Travel leaders have been urged to focus on culture, management style and paving a clearer path for progression in order to help tackle gender inequality throughout the industry.

Being a woman in travel in 2026 - Fairer Travel Event
Dean Rossiter Photography

'Being a woman in travel in 2026: solutions beyond the statistics' was moderated by TTG editor-in-chief Sophie Griffiths, with Atlyn Forde (Inclusive Travel Forum), Debbie O'Neill (Jules Verne) and Nicky Lyle (Hotelplan) taking to the stage

Panellists speaking at TTG’s Fairer Travel Event in London prompted decision makers to implement more policies combatting judgement and harassment, and ensure processes are put in place to support women when pursuing opportunities for career progression.

“My feeling is there’s a lack of psychological safety within the industry,” said Debbie O'Neill, Managing Director of Jules Verne and Chair of the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE).