Honoring Trailblazers Shaping the Future of Travel Industry

For the fourth consecutive year, FXExpress Publications, Inc. presents its Industry Leader Awards, honoring a hand-selected group of the brightest and most influential professionals in the travel sector. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication in their fields. Congratulations to all the outstanding honorees.

THE PROCESS
The FXExpress Publications team nominated industry leaders across multiple categories. Each nomination included a concise rationale. After compiling all submissions, the editorial team completed a survey to determine the final Industry Leader honorees.

PHOTO: © GORDON TIPENE | DREAMSTIME.COM,

BEST AVIATION INDUSTRY LEADER: Vanessa Hudson, CEO, Qantas Group
Vanessa Hudson made history in 2023 as the first woman to serve as CEO in Qantas’ 103-year history. Since taking the helm, she has guided the airline through significant transformation and a return to profitability. Hudson emphasizes visible, authentic leadership and prioritizes open communication with employees. Having joined Qantas in 1994, she has held numerous roles domestically and internationally. Hudson is widely credited with reshaping the company’s culture and strengthening ties with frontline staff, whom she frequently recognizes as the organization’s true heroes.

BEST HOTEL INDUSTRY LEADER: Enrique Calderón Fernández, COO & Vice President, Grupo Posadas
Enrique Calderón Fernández leads one of Mexico’s foremost hotel operators. As chief operating officer, he has overseen the expansion of the Fiesta Americana Travelty portfolio to more than 200 properties across Mexico and the Caribbean, with plans to enter over 20 additional destinations. Calderón Fernández also manages the company’s upscale and luxury brands, ensuring consistent operational excellence across the Grupo Posadas portfolio. His focus on efficient, results-driven operations has been central to the brand’s ongoing growth.

PHOTO: © CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK,

BEST CRUISE LINE INDUSTRY LEADER: Janet Bava, CCO, Windstar Cruises
Janet Bava’s connection to cruising began early—she celebrated her quinceañera on a Royal Caribbean ship—and has shaped a lifelong career in the industry. Bava joined Windstar Cruises as chief commercial officer in 2023 after senior roles at AmaWaterways and Silversea Cruises. Known as a “cruise lifer,” she leads with collaboration, creativity and strategic vision. Bava aims to elevate every voyage so each experience feels far from ordinary, driving innovation and improved guest experience across Windstar’s offerings.

BEST AIRPORT INDUSTRY LEADER: Khaled Aylouch, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, Hamad International Airport
Khaled Aylouch oversees marketing and communications for one of the world’s leading airports. He is known for precise, effective public relations and marketing campaigns that enhance the airport’s global reputation. From major campaigns to unique attractions like the indoor tropical garden Orchard, Aylouch’s strategic approach blends traditional and digital PR to set industry standards. Before joining Hamad International Airport, he gained experience working with Qatar Airways.

BEST TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADER: Victoria Isley, President & CEO, Explore Asheville
Victoria “Vic” Isley exemplifies steady leadership during crisis and recovery. As president and CEO of Explore Asheville, she has guided the destination through rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024. Isley champions travel’s power to connect people and broaden perspectives, drawing on a career that includes leadership roles for destinations such as Bermuda and Washington, D.C. Her experience also includes work on 9/11 recovery initiatives and managing major events like Super Bowl XXXV and the America’s Cup, all of which inform her strategic approach to destination recovery and promotion.