Introducing HERitage: A Collective
Celebrating the launch of HERitage on International Women's Day
As a travel brand co-owned by a woman, led by women, and representing a community of travel agencies that are over 90% women-owned, we’ve long celebrated International Women’s Day. But this March, there’s even more meaning in marking this moment as we share an initiative we’ve been working on to create space for female hoteliers.
Women are deeply embedded across hospitality—as general managers, creative directors, and operational leads. But female ownership remains the exception. At SmartFlyer, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when women own the room. We understand the need for not just recognition, but community. With that, we’re introducing HERitage, a founder-to-founder initiative spotlighting and connecting the remarkable women at the helm of hospitality brands.
What is HERitage?
A part of SmartFlyer’s 35th anniversary initiative, HERitage is where visibility, collaboration, and shared ambition converge. This is about creating space for the women who are already leading and giving them a community and shared purpose. We’re honored to be in partnership with twenty inspiring women behind some of the world’s most sought-after hotels.
Founding HERitage Members
Akriti Baccheschi Berti, Sales & Marketing Director, Vico Milano
Alexandra Pisani, General Manager, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Executive of Development, Corinthia Hotels
Camille Walker, Director of Communication at Kokomo Private Island
Caryn Hibbert, Founder and Creative Director, Thyme
Denise Dupre, Founder and Managing Partner, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Gabriella Khalil, Creative Director and Founder, Palm Heights
Jo Ellard, Owner and President of Bowie Place Properties, Bowie House
Joy Desseigne-Barrière, Chair of the Board of Directors, Group Barrière
Liz Biden, Founder & CEO, The Royal Portfolio
Lucie Weill, Co-Founder, Hôtel Lily of the Valley
Lydia Forte, Group Director of Food and Beverage, Rocco Forte Hotels
Mariella Avino, Managing Director, Palazzo Avino
Attilia Avino, Director of Sales & Marketing, Palazzo Avino
Mina Akdag, Board Member, Princes’ Palace Resort
Nicole Boekhoorn and Fleur Huijskens, Owners, Sterrekopje Farm
Teresa Muk, Head of Brand and Strategic Marketing, Swire Hotels
Valentina De Santis, Owner and CEO, Passalacqua & Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Valeria de Luca, Commercial Marketing Strategist & Brand Ambassador, Borgo Egnazia
Zita Cobb, Founder, CEO, Fogo Island Inn
The Give Back
To ensure this initiative is not just symbolic—but cyclical and sustaining—SmartFlyer is launching a women-support mechanism as part of HERitage. For every stay booked at a HERitage-designated hotel, SmartFlyer will contribute $5 to a micro-grant fund. Participating hotels will be invited to match this contribution.
Each year, SmartFlyer will select a nonprofit partner that aligns with the values of agency, ownership, access, and intergenerational impact. Funds will be directed to organizations working to empower women and girls globally—creating a ripple effect that starts within the HERitage community and expands outward. This model ensures direct, meaningful reinvestment into the future of women in hospitality—and beyond.
Ready to plan your stay at a HERitage hotel? Get in touch with a SmartFlyer advisor to begin planning.