Celebrating women in travel, 365 days a year

Dr. Jane Goodall

Primatologist, Conservationist, and Humanitarian

Jane Goodall’s partnership with G Adventures is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on the world. As a trailblazer in conservation, Jane has dedicated her life to studying and protecting wildlife, and through her collaboration with G Adventures, she is inspiring travellers around the globe to travel with purpose. Her efforts not only raise awareness for endangered species, but also empower women like her to explore the world, creating a ripple effect that encourages travellers to take bold steps, both for themselves and for the planet. Through this partnership, Jane proves that traveling with a mission can bring about transformative change. Her legacy continues to inspire countless women to venture beyond boundaries, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the Earth and its creatures.

Avneet Kanda

Chief Experience Officer

“As a woman tour leader in India, I have broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others — both within my country and globally. Leading diverse groups of solo travellers has allowed me to foster cultural exchange, showing visitors the beauty of India and Nepal while also offering local communities exposure to different perspectives. My presence in this role has empowered not just me but also the women I encounter — be it young girls who see a role model in me, or female travellers who feel safer exploring because of my leadership. The challenges I’ve navigated, from logistical hurdles to societal biases, have strengthened my resilience, confidence, and ability to adapt. In turn, I have helped reshape perceptions of India as a travel destination, demonstrating that women can lead, explore, and create meaningful connections across borders.”

Fabi Cornejo

Chief Experience Officer

“G Adventures gave me the chance to experience one of the most empowering journeys — especially as a solo traveller. Stepping outside my comfort zone boosted my confidence, and now I embrace new experiences and say yes to every opportunity. I also saw firsthand how travel fosters a strong, supportive community, creating meaningful opportunities for women to gain independence and provide for their families.”

Hesti Elvandar

Chief Experience Officer

“Working with G Adventures for 10 years has been the greatest gift, and becoming Indonesia’s first female CEO is the ultimate bonus — proof that nothing is impossible. Soon, I’ll be leading my first Solo-ish adventure in Bali, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m beyond grateful to be part of G Adventures.

Kristi November

Chief Experience Officer

“I’ve been a CEO at G Adventures in Southern Africa since 2017, and it’s been an incredible journey. This role has taken me to fascinating places, introduced me to people from all over the world, and even helped me discover new sides of myself. But the best part? Sharing the magic of Africa and watching travellers fall in love with it just as much as I have.”

Tara Hopkins

Founder of çöp(m)adam, India

Tara Hopkins founded çöp(m)adam with a simple yet powerful mission — empower women in Türkiye by transforming waste into stylish, practical products. Since its launch, more than 500 women have worked with çöp(m)adam, many of whom have moved on to other jobs — an outcome the enterprise celebrates. The only requirement for employment? Being a woman who has never held a salaried position before. Planeterra partnered with çöp(m)adam to connect them with a steady stream of customers, helping them grow their impact by hosting G Adventures travellers. Visitors to the workshop in Türkiye not only learn about Tara's initiative but also directly support the women by purchasing handmade products. Beyond employment, çöp(m)adam builds confidence and skills, helping women gain financial independence while contributing to Türkiye’s female workforce—where employment rates for women remain around 30%. Their impact also extends to the environment, with a focus on sustainable production and waste reduction. From upcycled vinyl banners to flour sacks and discarded leather, every material has a second life at çöp(m)adam. They even repurposed banners from GX Peru into tote bags, proving that waste can always be reimagined. Fun fact: "çöp" means "garbage" in Turkish, and "madam" is the same as the French word for "lady"—so "çöp(m)adam" literally translates to “garbage ladies”.

Shila Amatya

President of Panauti Community Homestay, Nepal

In 2012, Shila Amatya welcomed travellers into her home, inspiring women in Panauti to build a thriving homestay. Her vision empowered a community, sparking new opportunities for women and youth.

In 2012, the Panauti Community Homestay welcomed travellers for the first time, thanks to Shila Amatya and her husband Ashok. Opening their home to visitors, they offered more than just a place to stay — they created a space where local culture could thrive. Inspired by Shila’s success, other women in the community joined in, and soon, the homestay became a collective effort.

With growing interest from travellers, the homestay flourished. Positive feedback encouraged more women to take part, and the initiative laid the foundation for the Community Homestay Network. Planeterra partnered with the homestay, connecting them with G Adventures, which brought a steady flow of visitors eager to experience local life. This partnership not only strengthened the homestay but also helped the community reinvest in education, infrastructure, and new opportunities.

Shila’s leadership and the dedication of the homestay women transformed Panauti. By showcasing their traditions and creating a sustainable source of income, they paved the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs. One of them was Asish, whose mother was part of the homestay. Seeing firsthand how community tourism was changing lives, he started thinking about ways to create more opportunities for youth and women.

Inspired by the foundation Shila helped build, Ashish Gupta teamed up with his childhood friend Bipin, a trekking guide who had returned to Panauti after working abroad. Together, they launched Panauti Bike Station in 2019—a youth-led cycling enterprise offering immersive travel experiences.

From a single home opening its doors to a thriving tourism ecosystem, Shila’s vision has sparked lasting change in Panauti. The community she helped empower continues to grow, proving that when women lead, entire communities rise.

Julie FitzGerald

G Adventures, Vice President of Buying

In my role, I have the privilege of empowering women by creating space for their voices and ideas to develop and shine. Leadership, for me, has been an evolution — starting with a focus on my own growth and understanding of business in the early stages of my career. As I gained experience, I leaned into roles where I could build environments that are healthy, supportive, and rooted in trust. I strive to lead by example, living my values every day to show my team that success is a balance of personal growth and collective effort. Within my team, I actively coach women, encouraging them to take on challenging projects and ensuring they have the resources and visibility to thrive — whether that’s advocating for their promotions or celebrating their wins publicly. Beyond my department, I make it a priority to connect with and uplift women across the organization, believing that strength in unity is what builds communities and drives the best results.

Time and time again, I’ve seen how tourism is a game-changer for women. Through our foundation, Planeterra, and its mission to empower women, we’re witnessing the incredible impact of collective action on communities worldwide — it’s like hitting a reset button on what we think is possible. Whether it’s a female community organizer rallying for change or a cooperative of women building something meaningful from sheer belief in themselves, tourism provides the platform for them to create a better future for their families and communities. Seeing the impact of our women-led projects firsthand is a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

My advice to women in business? Own your worth. Believe in yourself and your potential. Walk into every room like you belong there — because you do. Participate in your community, work hard, embrace discomfort as a learning opportunity, and lead with authenticity. And above all, listen well.

Allyssa Leaton

LGBTQ+ Travel Creator and Digital Storyteller

Travel has been a constant thread in my life for as long as I can remember. From moving cities as a kid to studying abroad and taking my first solo backpacking trip, each experience shaped me in unexpected ways. When I first started sharing my travels online, it wasn’t with any grand plan — I just wanted to document my journey and connect with like-minded people. But as I reflected on my experiences growing up and coming into my identity, I realized how rarely I saw queer travellers represented in the spaces I longed to be part of. That’s why I launched The Lesbian Passport — not just to share my own stories, but to help create the kind of representation I once needed. What started as a passion project quickly became something much bigger, connecting me with LGBTQ+ travellers around the world and giving me a platform to share both the joys and challenges of exploring the world as my authentic self.

My mission has always been to show that LGBTQ+ travellers belong everywhere — to push back against heteronormative narratives in travel, highlight queer-friendly spaces, and empower others to explore on their own terms. I hope to continue building a global community of queer travellers who uplift and support one another, proving that adventure, discovery, and belonging aren’t limited to a select few — they’re for all of us.

More than anything, I value the sense of connection that travel creates, which is why I love working with companies like G Adventures. Their commitment to community-driven tourism, responsible travel, and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices deeply resonates with me. Travel isn’t just about checking places off a list — it’s about the people you meet, the perspectives you gain, and the small but powerful moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Instagram: @thelesbianpassport
TikTok: @thelesbianpassport
www.thelesbianpassport.com

Marissa Strang

Travel and Lifestyle Content Creator

I started creating travel content to share my perspective and provide resources that empower women, young people, and minority travelers to explore the world fearlessly. What began as a passion for sharing tips and experiences quickly evolved when I saw how my knowledge could help others take their first solo trip, build confidence, and experience the world in a way that expands their perspective. Travel has shaped me in countless ways — it’s helped me grow, connect with cultures beyond my own, and support communities through responsible tourism. Whether it’s spending money with small and women-owned businesses or creating media that dispels myths about different cultures, my purpose has become clear: helping others experience travel in a meaningful way.

Through my platform, Marissa Daily, my goal is to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones, make lifelong memories, and understand that travel isn’t just for a select few — it’s for everyone. Whether it’s an international adventure or a discovery closer to home, travel is about broadening perspectives and embracing new experiences. Every time someone tells me, “You inspired me to try this!”, I’m reminded why I do what I do.

That’s also why I love working with brands like G Adventures, whose commitment to community-driven travel ensures that local voices are part of the tourism conversation. Traveling with them to India for the World Tourism Summit was a defining moment — meeting female entrepreneurs, riding with a women-led chauffeur company, and learning from local guides. It was a powerful reminder that travel is about connection, transformation, and understanding the world on a deeper level. G Adventures keeps that at the heart of their mission, and it’s something I deeply admire.

Instagram: @marissa.daily
TikTok: @marissadaily_
Blog: themarissadaily.com