Bushtracks
Ed or’sNote
Trailblazers of Travel: Celebra ng Excellence in Hospitality and Sustainability
Welcome to The Tycoon Magazine's special edi on, Top Companies in Travel & Hospitality 2025! In this highly an cipated issue, we shine a spotlight on the visionaries who are redefining the travel and hospitality industry with innova on, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
At the forefront of this dis nguished lineup is our cover feature, David Te , the pioneering Founder and President of Bushtrack Expedi ons. Te has transformed the luxury safari experience by integra ng sustainability, authen city, and conserva on into every aspect of his brand. Driven by an enduring passion for Africa's wildlife and cultures, he has posi oned Bushtrack Expedi ons as a global leader in eco-conscious travel, crea ng experiences that resonate deeply with today's discerning travelers.
In an exclusive interview, Te shares his remarkable journey—from his early beginnings as a safari guide to building a brand synonymous with adventure, sustainability, and ethical tourism. Under his visionary leadership, Bushtrack Expedi ons has become a beacon of responsible travel, offering immersive experiences that not only cap vate guests but also ac vely contribute to preserving Africa's natural and cultural heritage. Te 's approach is holis c, priori zing the well-being of local communi es, ecosystems, and future genera ons of travelers.
This edi on dives into the transforma ve impact of Te 's leadership, showcasing how his commitment to ethical prac ces, community engagement, and conserva on is se ng new standards for eco-luxury
travel. By weaving sustainability into the fabric of his business, Te exemplifies how purpose-driven leadership can thrive in harmony with profitability, making Bushtrack Expedi ons a model for the future of tourism.
Beyond Te 's inspiring story, this issue offers a comprehensive explora on of the travel and hospitality industry's evolu on. We spotlight emerging trends, cu ng-edge innova ons, and industry leaders who are shaping the future. From the rise of sustainability and transforma ve technology to the growing demand for personalized, meaningful travel experiences, this edi on captures the pulse of a dynamic industry on the brink of reinven on.
We invite you to find inspira on in these stories of leadership, innova on, and resilience. The travel and hospitality sector is more than a marketplace—it is a movement powered by those who challenge conven ons and set bold new standards.
As always, thank you for being part of The Tycoon Magazine community. We value your engagement and look forward to bringing you more stories of influence, impact, and inspira on from leaders across industries.
Kevin Williams
C
Evyssa Vacations: Curating Extraordinary Moments Since 2009: Transforming Luxury Travel Into Life’s Greatest Stories.
Article
Leading with Heart: How Travel and Hospitality Leaders Can Thrive in 2025
Bushtracks EXPEDiTiONS
CRAFTiNG LiFE-CHANGiNG JOURNEYS ACROSS
AFRiCA AND BEYOND
Bushtracks EXPEDiTiONS
CRAFTiNG LiFE-CHANGiNG JOURNEYS
ACROSS AND AFRiCA BEYOND
David Tett
FOUNDER AND PRESiDENT
INSiGHTS FOR ASPiRiNG
ENTREPRENEURS
David's advice to budding entrepreneurs is clear: “Take risks, but be prepared. Analyze your market, identify a clear need, and develop a unique strategy that sets you apart.” For those looking to enter the travel industry, he emphasizes the importance of delivering exceptional experiences. “The industry is competitive, but it's also full of opportunities. If you can identify a gap and exceed expectations, success will follow. ”
ALEX TETT (DAUGHTER) WiTH DAViD
Formorethan35years,Bushtracks Expeditionshasbeenapioneerincreating unforgettablesafariexperiences,blending adventure,luxury,andculturalauthenticity. Foundedin1989byDavidTett,aZimbabwean withaninnatepassionforAfrica'slandscapesand wildlife,thecompanyhasgrownintoaleaderin tailoredtravelandeducationalprivatejetjourneys knownforitscommitmenttoconservationand communitydevelopment.Headquarteredin Healdsburg,California,andJohannesburg,South Africa,Bushtrackscombinesdeep-rooted knowledgewithexpertisetodeliverlife-changing journeysthatexploreremotedestinationsacross Africa,Asia,andtheMiddleEast..
FROM ZiMBABWE TO THE WORLD
David'sjourneyisoneofinspirationandresilience. BornandraisedinZimbabwe,hespenthisearly yearssurroundedbyAfrica'snaturalwonders.After earningadegreeinMicrobiologyinSouthAfrica, hebeganhiscareerwiththeAgriculturalResearch BoardinZimbabwe.AsaZimbabweanlivingin London,Davidwasoftenaskedbyfriendsand acquaintanceswheretotravelinAfrica,whereto findthebestgameviewing,wheretostay,andwho thebestguideswere.Recognizingasignificantgap inthemarketforexpertlycraftedsafaris,he foundedBushtracksExpeditions,acompany dedicatedtoshowcasingAfrica'sbeautywhile supportingwildlifeconservationandlocal communities.
In1991,DavidrelocatedtoNorthernCalifornia, bringinghisstartupcompanywithhim.Overthe decades,Bushtracksgrewintoaglobalbrand synonymouswithluxurysafaritravelandexclusive privatejetjourneys.Despiteitssuccess,the companyhasstayedtruetoDavid'soriginalvision: toshowcaseAfrica'sstunninglandscapeswhile preservingitswildlifeandsupportingthelocal communitiesthatcalltheseareashome.
CURATiNG UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEYS
WhatsetsBushtracksapartisitsmeticulousapproachto craftingcustomitineraries.AccordingtoDavid,everysafari beginswithunderstandingtheuniquepreferencesand expectationsofthetraveler.Fromthere,thecompanydraws onitsextensiveknowledgeofAfrica'sdiversedestinations todesignimmersiveandexclusiveexperiences.
AdayonsafariwithBushtracksmightincludethrilling activitiessuchastrackingrhinoswithexpertguides,sunrise balloonflightsovervastherdsofelephants,canoeing alongsidebuffaloonasereneriver,orexploringremote wildernessareasbyhelicopter.Afteradayofadventure, guestsreturntoluxuriousaccommodationsthatblendwith theirsurroundings.Eveningsarespentenjoyingfresh, locallyinspiredcuisineandwarmhospitalityfromlocals, creatingaperfectbalanceofexplorationandrelaxation.
BUiLDiNG A LEGACY: CHALLENGES AND MOTiVATiON
Establishingaluxurysafaricompanyfromscratchposedits ownuniquechallenges.Withoutamanualtoguidetheway, Davidlearnedthroughexperienceandpersistence.Oneof hisearliestlessonswastheimportanceofexceedingguests expectations.“You only get one shot with your traveler,”he explains.“If their safari doesn't meet expectations, you won't get a second chance.”
Despitethedifficulties,therewardshavebeen immeasurable.ForDavid,themostfulfillingmoments comefromhearingthestoriesoftravelerswhoseliveshave
beentransformedbytheirjourneys.Thesestories,often filledwithawe,gratitude,andjoy,serveasaconstant sourceofmotivationtocontinuestrivingforexcellence.
COMMiTMENT TO CONSERVATiON AND COMMUNiTY
Bushtracks'commitmenttopreservingAfrica'secosystems andsupportinglocalcommunitiesrunsdeep.Understanding thatAfrica'swildlandscapesholdbothculturaland economicsignificance,Bushtracksoperateswithalongtermvision—ensuringtheseresourcesareprotectedfor futuregenerations.
ThesafarilodgesandcampsthatBushtrackspartnerswith playacrucialroleinfostering'wildeconomies,'creating jobsinremoteareas,andsupportingconservation initiatives.Byworkingcloselywiththesepartners, Bushtrackschampionssustainabletourism—ensuringthat localcommunitiesbenefitfromtravelinawaythatprotects delicateecosystemsandhelpspreserveancientcultures whilestrengtheningconservationefforts.
RESiLiENCE THROUGH THE PANDEMiC
Likemanyinthetravelindustry,Bushtracksfaced unprecedentedchallengesduringtheCOVID-19pandemic. Withtravelbroughttoastandstill,thecompany experiencedtwoyearsofrevenuelosses.However,David andhisteamdemonstratedremarkableresilience.They proactivelyrebookedclientsforfuturedates,secured criticalPaycheckProtectionProgram(PPP)loanstoretain theirexpertstaff,andmaintainedtheircommitmentto deliveringexceptionalexperiences.
A COMMiTMENT TO EXCELLENCE
With a guiding philosophy captured in the quote, “With passion, knowledge, and care, our Bushtracks team creates genuine, life-changing experiences in Africa,” Bushtracks Expeditions has created a reputation as a leader in luxury safari travel. Through its dedication to conservation, community, and adventure, the company continues to inspire travelers and set the standard for transformative journeys in Africa and beyond.
Oneofthekeylessonslearnedduringthistimewasthe importanceofmaintainingvisibilitythroughconsistent marketing,evenduringtimesofuncertainty.Thisinsight hasbecomeaguidingprincipleasthecompanymoves forward,ensuringitremainsaleaderintheluxurytravel sector
EMBRACiNG EMERGiNG TRENDS
AccordingtoDavid,Bushtracksisperfectlypositionedto leadinthegrowingdemandforprivatesafaris,multigenerationaltravel,andconservation-conscioustourism. Thecompany's“Intothe WildLIFE”flyingsafaris exemplifythistrend, connectingremotedestinationswhile offeringluxuryandcomfort.Eachjourneyisdesignedtobe bothimmersiveandtransformative,cateringtotravelers seekingunique,authenticexperiences.
LOOKiNG AHEAD
Overthenextdecade,underthereignofDavid,Bushtracks aimstodoubleitsbusiness,sendingmoretravelerstoAfrica anddrivingeconomicgrowthintheregionsitserves.This expansionalignswithitscoremission:tosupport conservation,empowerlocalcommunities,andensurethat Africa'snaturalandculturaltreasuresthriveforfuture generations.
ForDavid,thisvisiongoesbeyondbusiness,itrepresentsa lifelongcommitmenttothecontinentthathasshapedhis identityandinspiredhiscareer.Bystayingtruetoitsvalues ofpassion,knowledge,andcare,Bushtrackswillcontinue tocreatejourneysthatleavealastingimpactonboth travelersandtheplacestheyvisit.
Csilla Dali FOUNDER
Evyssa Vacations
CURATiNG EXTRAORDiNARY MOMENTS SiNCE 2009: TRANSFORMiNG LUXURY TRAVEL INTO LiFE’S GREATEST STORiES.
The travel and hospitality industry is a dynamic sector, driven by innovation and a diverse range of companies. From global giants to boutique experiences, these leading players shape the way we travel and experience the world. One such key player is Evyssa Vacations, founded by Csilla Dali.
Kindlygiveusabriefoverviewofyour backgroundandyourjourneysincethe beginningofyourcareer.
IgrewupinTransylvania,Romania,underacommunist regimewhereexploringtheworldfeltlikeadistantdream. Aftertheregimefell,Ibecamefascinatedbytheideaof travel,particularlytoAmerica.Duringcollege,Ivisitedthe U.S.,whichbecamethefirststepinmyjourneyof explorationandself-discovery.
WhileworkingasawaitressinNorthCarolinatosupport mystudies,ImetLufthansa'sNorthAmericanSales Representative,whoofferedmeajobataMiamitravel agency Thisfortunateencountermarkedthebeginningof mycareerintravel.Overtime,Igainedexpertiseinairfare, ticketing,andgrouptravel,eventuallyrelocatingtoChicago toopenanewbranchforthesameagency.
In2009,amidtheeconomicdownturn,Ifoundedmyown travelagency,initiallyservingEuropeanexpats.Overthe nextdecade,Iexpandedtooffervacationpackagesand customitineraries,buildingmybusiness,GlobalVoyages Inc.,throughword-of-mouth.Ialsotraveledextensively, visitingover30countriesandforgingrelationshipswith localsupplierstoenhanceclientexperiences.
By2019,mybusinessthrived,butthelackofwork-life balanceledmetoreevaluatemygoals.Thepandemicin 2020broughtachancetoreset.Withayoungbabyandtime toreflect,IrebrandedmycompanyasEvyssaVacations, focusingonluxury,personalizedtravel.Today,Icreate transformativejourneysforclients,drivenbyapassionfor connectingpeopletotheworldandenrichingtheirlives throughtravel.
BriefusaboutEvyssaVacation,whatinspiredyouto establishit,andwhatwasthevisionbehindits inception?
EvyssaVacationsisaboutiqueluxurytravelagency specializingincreatingcustominternationaltravel experiences.Weworkwithcouples,families,andgroupsto designjourneysthatgobeyondtheordinary,offering seamlessplanningandexclusiveaccesstosomeofthe world'smostincredibledestinations.Ourmissionisto curatetravelthatinspires,transforms,andconnectspeople totheworldinmeaningfulways.
TheinspirationbehindEvyssaVacationsstemmedfrommy
lifelongpassionfortravelandtheimpactithashadonmy life.GrowingupinTransylvania,Romania,Ialways dreamedofexploringtheworld,andwhenIfinallygotthe chance,itchangedmyperspectiveonlife.Travelbecame myescape,myjoy,andmywayofconnectingwithothers butalsooffindingmyself.Iwantedtobringthatsame transformativeexperiencetomyclients.
PriortoEvyssaVacations,Ispentoveradecadebuilding GlobalVoyagesInc.,asuccessfultravelbusinessfocusedon airfareandticketing.However,Ifelttheneedtoevolvethe businesstooffermorepersonalized,creative,and extraordinaryvacations.By2019,itwasclearthata transformationwasneededtoalignwithmyvision. Thechallengesof2020,thoughdifficult,gavemethe chancetoreflectandreimaginemybusiness,andthus, EvyssaVacationswasborn—focusingonluxury, customization,andcreatingmeaningfulmoments.
Ourapproachissimple:providehighlypersonalizedtravel planningthatfocusesoneachclient'suniquepreferences. Wecraftitinerariesthatbalancerelaxation,adventure,and culturalimmersion,frompickleballvacationsinGreeceto luxurygrouptripsandromanticgetaways.Everyjourneyis tailoredtotheclient'sdreams,supportedbyourdeep knowledgeofdestinationsandstrongrelationshipswith localsuppliers.
AtEvyssaVacations,wedon'tjustplantrips;wecreate memoriesandmomentsthatstaywithourclientsforever Ourultimategoalistomaketravelaseffortlessand enjoyableaspossible,soourclientscanfocusonwhattruly matters—livinginthemomentandexperiencingtheworld withwonder.
WhatsetsEvyssaVacationsapartinthehighly competitivetravelandhospitalitymarket?Canyou describethekindofexperiencesitoffersthatmakeit unique?
AtEvyssaVacations,we'reaboutiqueagencydedicatedto craftingpersonalized,one-of-a-kindjourneys.Everytripwe planisareflectionofourdeepcommitmenttoensuringour clientsfeelcaredfor,inspired,andstress-free.Wefocuson creatingunforgettableexperiences,fosteringstrong relationshipswithlocalguidesandsmallbusinesses,and makingapositiveimpactonthecommunitiesweworkwith. Bylimitingthenumberofclientsweserve,wetreateach tripasapersonalproject,carefullycuratingitinerariesthat bringjoyandlastingmemories.
At Evyssa Vacations, we don't just adapt to change—we embrace it as an opportunity to innovate and provide even more meaningful and memorable journeys for our clients “
“
Wearepassionateaboutmakingtheplanningprocess seamless,respondingquicklyandcreativelytoany challenges.Ourtravelexpertiseandpersonalconnections withlocaloperatorsensureeverytripisbothmeaningful andmemorable.Oneexampleofourworkisamysterytrip weplannedforadventurousclients,wherewetookfull creativecontrol,designingasurprisewinteradventurethat includedahistoriccastlestay,helicopterride,dog-sledding, andacustomscavengerhunt.Thistripnotonlydelighted ourclientsbutalsostrengthenedournetworkandinspired futureideas.
ThisisthekindofexperiencethatdefinesEvyssa Vacations.It'snotjustaboutwhereourclientsgo—it's abouthowtheyfeel,whattheydiscover,andthememories theycreatealongtheway.Everytripisanopportunityto craftsomethingextraordinary,blendingadventure,culture, andapersonaltouchthatstayswiththemlongafterthey returnhome.
Whatstrategiesdoyouusetoensureexceptional customerserviceandmemorableexperiencesforyour clients?Howdoyouaddressfeedbackandcontinually improveyourservices.
Weprioritizeseamlesscommunication,proactiveproblemsolving,andmeticulousplanningtoensureasmoothand enjoyabletravelexperience.Weactivelyseekclient feedbackanduseittorefineourprocessesandenhanceour offerings.Byfosteringstrongrelationshipswithlocal suppliersandprioritizingclientsatisfaction,westriveto createjourneysthatexceedexpectations.
Whatweretheprimalchallengesandroadblocksyou facedduringtheinitialphase?AndWhatisyoursource ofmotivation?
RebrandingtoEvyssaVacationspost-pandemicfeltlike startingfromscratch,especiallyinfindinganewcustomer basealignedwithourluxurytravelfocus.Transitioning fromGlobalVoyages,whichemphasizedaffordability,to offeringhigh-value,curatedexperienceswasachallenge. Rebuildingthebusinessrequiredinvestmentsintechnology, anewwebsite,andeffectivemarketing,despitelimitedcash flowafterthreeyearsofdisruption.
Theshiftinmindsetfromaffordabilitytoluxurytravelalso demandedextensivelearningandfirsthandexperiencewith thedestinationsweoffer.Visitinghotels,building relationshipswithsuppliers,andgainingknowledgewere
crucialforthetransition.Whatdrivesmeisthepositive feedbackfromclients,partners,andthetrusttheyplacein us,motivatingmetodeliverthebestexperiences. Additionally,empoweringmyteamoftraveladvisorskeeps mefocusedonmakingalastingimpact.
Canyoushareamilestoneorachievementthatholds specialsignificanceforyou?
Thesuccessachievedin2024,exceedingexpectationsand demonstratingtheeffectivenessofournewapproach,holds particularsignificance.Thisvalidatesourvisionandfuels ourdeterminationtocontinuegrowingandexpandingour offerings.
Whattrendsorchangesinthetravelindustrydoyou findmostexcitingorimpactful?HowdoesEvyssa Vacationsadapttothesetrendstostayahead?
Thegrowingdemandforpersonalized,experience-driven travelandtheriseofsustainabletourismareexcitingtrends. EvyssaVacationsembracesthesebyfocusingoncreating uniqueitinerariesthatalignwithindividualinterestsand prioritizingpartnershipswitheco-conscioussuppliers.We alsoleveragetechnologytoenhancetheplanningprocess andprovideseamlesstravelexperiencesforourclients.
Thetravelindustryhasfacedunprecedentedchallenges inrecentyears.HowdidEvyssaVacationsnavigatethe impactofthepandemic,andwhatlessonsdidyoulearn?
Thepandemicforcedustoadaptandinnovate.We prioritizedclientsupport,navigatedlogisticalchallenges, andusedthedowntimetorebrandandrefineourfocus.This experienceemphasizedtheimportanceofresilience, adaptability,andbuildingstrongclientrelationships.
WhatareyouraspirationsforEvyssaVacationsoverthe nextdecade?Howdoyouseeyourselfinthenear future?Tellusaboutyourfuturegoals.
“Overthenextdecade,myvisionforEvyssaVacationsisto becomealeaderinboutiqueluxuryandcustomtravel, seamlesslyblendingleisureandcorporatetraveltooffer exceptionalexperiencesforbothindividualsand businesses.Whetherit'sadreamfamilyvacation,a personalizedincentivetrip,orateam-buildingretreat,our focusisoncreatingtailoreditinerariesthatinspire,connect, anddeliverlastingimpact.Customtravelfitsperfectlyinto bothworlds—whysettleforagenerictripwhenthe
experiencecanalignwithpersonalaspirationsora company'smissiontoreward,motivate,andbuildloyalty MyaspirationistocreatealegacywithEvyssa Vacations—abrandthatnotonlysetsthestandardfor luxurytravelbutalsoinspirespeopletoexploretheworld inwaysthataremeaningful,transformative,anddeeply fulfilling.”
Provideaone-linequotethatbestdescribesyour businessapproachandvision.
“Weelevatetravel,connectingpeopletoplaces andunforgettablestoriesthroughexpertly crafted,hassle-freejourneysthataredistinctly yours.”
Whatarethekeyqualitiesandskillsyou believearenecessaryforasuccessful entrepreneur?
Successfulentrepreneurspossess adaptability,resilience,strong communicationskills,creativity, problem-solvingabilities,aclearsense ofpurpose,astrongworkethic,anda commitmenttocontinuouslearning andgrowth.
Whatadvicewouldyouhavefor someonethinkingofentering thisspacerightnow?What wouldyouadvisetothebudding entrepreneursingeneral?
Startbyidentifyingyourstrengths andpassionswithinthetravel industry.Considerpartneringwith anestablishedcompanytogain valuableexperienceandmentorship. Embraceadaptability,buildstrong relationships,andfocusonproviding exceptionalservice.Rememberthat entrepreneurshipisamarathon,nota sprint,socultivatepatience,resilience,and astrongsupportnetwork.
Leading with Heart
How Travel and Hospitality Leaders Can Thrive in 2025
Asachild,Danielleplayed Innkeeper,welcomingguests toherimaginaryhotelonthe hill.Today,shetakesinthewarmglow ofherhotel'slobbyandthelights reflectingoffgleamingmarblefloorsas shetakesadeepbreath.
Asthegeneralmanagerofthis boutiquehotel,herchildhoodfantasies continuetofuelher,despiteher weatheringcountlesschallengesover theyears,suchasvacationrentals redefiningthehospitalitylandscape, staffingshortages,rapidtechnological changes,andsomuchmore.Danielle knowsthatasshestepsinto2025, thingsareonlygoingtogetmore intense. Withtheconflictingpriorities ofinvestors,employees,andguests, hercontinuedsuccesswilldemand moreofherthaneverbefore.
Sheknowsthatwhilemanythingsare changingandpressuresaremounting, thefundamentalsofhospitalityremain thesame.Herhotel'sprimarypurpose istomeetguests'fundamentalneeds foracomfortablenight'srest.Shehas provenovertheyearsthatdelighting herguestswithanunderstandingof theirpersonalpreferences,treating themwithheart,andseeingthemas uniqueindividuals,hasbuiltaunique loyaltyinhercustomerbase.
Tokeepupwithincreasingpressures, Daniellerealizesshemustharnessthis heartconnectionandahigherlevelof emotionalintelligence(EQ)allthe more.
BuildingaResilientTeam
Asshethinksofherteam,sheknows thattheyaretheheartofhersuccess.
The Market Forces Shaping Travel and Hospitality in 2025
The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, requiring leaders to adapt to significant market forces such as:
• Vaca on Rentals: Pla orms like Airbnb con nue to challenge hotels to clarify and differen ate their value proposi on.
• Staffing Fluctua ons: Consistent staffing is difficult as employees seek stability, work-life balance, and higher wages.
• Investor Expecta ons: Growth pressures favor large acquisi ons, increasing pressures on independents.
• Rising Costs: From food to capital projects, increased costs are requiring crea ve thinking and strategic planning.
• Return of Business Travel: Hotels must refine strategies to a ract corporate and group clients.
• Guest Preferences: Expecta ons are all over the board from casual to luxury, to alterna ve tourism.
• Economic Unpredictability: Fears of infla on and recession impact confidence around investments in staffing and capital improvements.
• Socio-Poli cal and Visa Uncertain es: Socio-poli cal divisiveness and immigra on policy changes are crea ng increased workforce instability (physical and emo onal).
Yettheyhavebeenundersignificant pressure,andshehasnotalways respondedwell. Infactonoccasion, shehaslosthercool,feelingstuck betweenbusinesspressuresandthe needsofherstaff.
IthithomerecentlywhenEmil,atop front-deskemployee,confidedinher abouthisstrugglesbalancinglong hourswithhispersonallife,plusthe recentaddedfearofsocio-political uncertainties.Sheknowsheisn'talone. Manyteammembershavebeenunder agreatdealofstresscomingoutofthe COVIDyearsandnowtheyarefacing evermoreinstability.Howcouldshe ensurethatherteamfeelsvalued,safe, andmotivatedinthischangingworld?
Daniellerealizesthesameskillsshe usestoconnectwithguestswillalso
igniteloyaltyandpassioninher employees.Afterall,thebest hospitalityleadersarenotjust operationalexpertsbutmentors, communicators,andvisionaries. Simplymanagingisnotenough;she mustleadwithempathyandlisten wholeheartedly. Shehasadynamite teamwhoisalreadycompetentin runningthebusiness. Themoreshe leansintoenablingandempowering them,themoretheycanbepartofthe solutiontowhatevertrialstheyface. AsDaniellestandsinthelobby, watchingateammemberwarmlygreet aguest,shefeelsarenewedsenseof purpose.Leadingherteamintothe futurewillnotbejustaboutrunning thebusinessefficiently;hersuccess willlieincreatingaworkplacewhere employeesthrive,guestsfeelgenuinely welcome,changesarenavigatedwith
resiliency,allwhileattendingtothe bottomline.
Thisstorymaywellbeoneofyour own,regardlessofwhataspectofthe travelandhospitalityindustryyouare in.Theentiretyoftheindustryis facingmarketforcesthatrequireuplevelingleadershipcapabilitiesto thrivethroughthedynamicchanges anduncertaintiesweareboundto experiencethroughout2025.
Lessons:TheHumanSideof HospitalityAcrossAllIndustries Hospitalityisnotjustaboutservice;it isabouthumanconnection.While serviceensuressmoothoperations,true hospitalitymakesguestsand employeesfeelseen,heard,and valued.Aswemoveinto2025,leaders whoembraceemotionalintelligence, adaptability,andapeople-first approachwon'tjustnavigateindustry challenges,theywillshapeitsfuture. Themostsuccessfulleaders,acrossall industries,willbethosewhoinspire, connect,andcreateenvironments wherebothemployeesand'guests' thrive.
Four Ways to Develop These
1. Training Programs: Invest in leadership development, EQ training, leading change, and coaching workshops.
2. Mentorship and Peer Coaching: Create structured mentoring and peer coaching opportuni es for emerging leaders.
3. On-The-Job Prac ce & Feedback: Provide opportuni es for leaders to refine skills through experience, offering guidance and feedback along the way.
4. HR & Leadership Support: Equip managers with tools and resources to handle complex challenges effec vely
Six Essen al Leadership Skills for Success in 2025
In response to the above market forces, leaders must double down on the following people-first skills:
1. Emo onal Intelligence & Empathy: Leaders must be self-aware and compassionate while handling challenges in a way that supports individuals' unique needs and the demands of the business.
2. Communica on & Recogni on: Employees need more informa on, tools, resources, and apprecia on now more than ever.
3. Coaching, Mentorship & Empowerment: You can't do it all alone. Now is the me to foster a culture of empowered leadership and decision-making while developing team members and holding them accountable.
4. Innova on & Agility: Leaders across all func ons must engage team members in diversity of thought, crea ve problem solving, and quick solu oning to meet challenges ahead of compe on.
5. Leading Change: Leaders must be adept at naviga ng change for themselves, while also leading change for others.
6. Authen city in Service: Staying true to the defined service brand while adjus ng to guest expecta ons is key
AUTHOR: Gretchen Reid is the Founder and CEO of Integrated Growth (www.integratedgrowth.com), developing leaders, mobilizing teams, and transforming organiza ons for over 30 years. With an MS in Career and Human Resource Development, she helps leaders and organiza ons achieve success through effec ve leadership and team development, execu ve coaching, and organiza onal development. Her exper se has directly contributed to awards for her clients within Fast Company, Forbes, and The Associa on for Talent Development, across hospitality, healthcare, public service, and the outdoor industry. Connect with Gretchen on LinkedIn.
CO-AUTHOR: Astrid McNellis is the Managing Director at MoonStar Partners(www.moonstarpartners.com), a consul ng group dedicated to enabling leaders to accelerate businesses success by op mizing leadership capabili es, cul va ng high performing teams, crea ng strategic alignment and driving project excellence. She has a proven track record of achieving meaningful results in an environment where everyone thrives, from company to customer Astrid has been a leader in both corporate and start-up environments and has a track record of solving complex problems and achieving targets previously believed to be una ainable. She holds two degrees from MIT and is a co-inventor on two patents. Connect with Astrid on LinkedIn
Leadership Skills
