For the fourth year, FXExpress Publications, Inc. names its Industry Leader Awards, a hand-selected a group of the best and brightest in the travel industry ad recognition of those leading the way in their fields. Congratulations to all the amazing honorees!
THE PROCESS
The team at FXExpress Publications, Inc. submitted nominations for industry leaders in each of the categories. Once all nominations, submitted with a brief reasoning for each, were compiled, a survey was distributed to all members of the FXExpress team to select the final Industry Leader honoree.
PHOTO: © GORDON TIPENE | DREAMSTIME.COM,
BEST AVIATION INDUSTRY LEADER: Vanessa Hudson, CEO, QANTAS GROUP Since becoming the first woman to hold the chief executive officer position in Qantas’ 103-year history in 2023, Vanessa Hudson has led the airline through significant change that also brought about a return to profit. Hudson believes a leader should be visible, and she aims to listen with authenticity and accessibility. Hudson first joined the Qantas team in 1994 and held a variety of roles across the company, in Australia and abroad. Hudson is widely credited with bringing a cultural shift to the carrier, building relationships with employees on the frontline, whom she has called the real heroes of the organization.
© GRUPO POSADAS
BEST HOTEL INDUSTRY LEADER: Enrique Calderón Fernández, COO, VICE PRESIDENT, GRUPO POSADAS
Enrique Calderón Fernández sits at the helm of the leading hotel operator in Mexico. In his role as chief operating officer, he has been responsible for the expansion of Fiesta Americana Travelty to more than 200 hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean. Following that success, the growth doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, with plans to expand to more than 20 new destinations. Calderón Fernández also oversees the upscale and luxury brands in the Grupo Posadas umbrella, a core division for the company. He has focused on maintaining efficient, successful operations across the brand.
PHOTO: © CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK,
BEST CRUISE LINE INDUSTRY LEADER: Janet Bava, CCO, WINDSTAR CRUISES
Call it destiny that Janet Bava now leads at one of the world’s premier cruise lines, considering her quinceañera was celebrated on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, her first taste of the industry at the age of 15. A self-described “cruise lifer,” Bava joined Windstar Cruises as chief commercial officer in 2023, following appointments at AmaWaterways as chief marketing officer and Silversea Cruises as vice president, Marketing, The Americas. Bava leads through collaboration, creativity and innovation. Her clear vision for the future of Windstar includes elevating the overall experience to ensure every part of the journey is “180 degrees from ordinary.”
© USKARP | DREAMSTIME.COM
BEST AIRPORT INDUSTRY LEADER: Khaled Aylouch, SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Leading marketing and public relations efforts for one of the world’s top airports is no small feat, but it’s one Khaled Aylouch, senior manager, Marketing and Communications, Hamad International Airport, handles with precision, ease and unquestionable success. Examine any news from the leading airport and you’ll find Aylouch’s touch in his statements and assessments on everything from marketing campaigns to the airport’s indoor tropical garden, Orchard, really setting the standard for other airports around the globe. Aylouch employs both classical and digital public relations tools to pave the way in airport marketing. Aylouch worked for Qatar Airways before joining the team at DOH.
© EXPLORE ASHEVILLE
BEST TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADER: Victoria Isley, PRESIDENT & CEO, EXPLORE ASHEVILLE
True leadership shines in the toughest of moments, a sentiment describing Victoria “Vic” Isley as she leads Asheville, North Carolina, through rebuilding efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024. It is Isley’s belief in the power of travel and the emotional reward people get through exploring new places, people and cultures that guides her in her role as president and chief executive officer of Explore Asheville. Over the course of her career, she has worked for destinations such as Bermuda and Washington, D.C., as well as providing leadership in 9/11 recovery efforts in the nation’s capital and showcasing major sports events including Super Bowl XXXV and the America’s Cup.
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