Women in business are rarely given the credit they deserve, but Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada continue to support them by hosting the annual Women in Business event. Now in its third year, the event connects, educates, and motivates peers in the travel industry.

Few people can say that Air Canada Vacations has celebrated 50 years of travel, so this year’s ceremony was held at The Vue, an appropriate venue in Toronto’s airport neighbourhood. The company’s development, from its early years as Chart Air to Venturex, Touram, and finally Air Canada Vacations in 1990, demonstrates the expansion and tenacity of the sector and the women who helped make it successful.

Under the direction of host Erminia Gallina, director of sales at ACV, Rose Cosentino, V.P., global wholesale & retail sales at Playa Resorts, and Dina Bertolo, V.P. product development at Air Canada Vacations, participated in a brief panel discussion during the luncheon to share their professional experiences. Their answers to the question of what guidance they would give their younger selves were unambiguous: have confidence, defend yourself, never stop learning, and never stop developing.

By removing obstacles, exchanging information, and building a solid community, women in the tourism sector consistently encourage and support one another. By developing an atmosphere where their peers feel powerful, female corporate executives promote self-assurance and advocate for more representation in leadership roles.

Their combined power is paving the road for future generations and creating a more inclusive industry.