Acclaimed travel expert and industry changemaker, Jo Rzymowska, has today been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. Acknowledging decades of passionate advocacy, bold leadership, and tireless work to create a sector where everyone is seen, heard and celebrated, Jo has been awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty, King Charles III.

A leading voice in the industry, Jo is best known for her 18-year tenure at Royal Caribbean Group, where she held senior leadership roles before becoming Vice President and Managing Director for Celebrity Cruises EMEA. A powerful advocate for inclusion, she helped embed a culture of openness and respect across the business, positioning Celebrity Cruises as a global frontrunner in inclusive travel, both on land and at sea.

Driving organisational change and redefining industry standards for representation, Jo served as Executive Sponsor for Employee Resource Groups, championed the Pride at Sea programme, and rolled out training and tools to help travel agents and staff better serve LGBTQ+ travellers. She played a key role in launching the All Inclusive Photo Project, a bold campaign to challenge how diverse travellers are portrayed in mainstream marketing, and was a passionate champion of Celebrity Cruises’ decision to become the first US cruise line to embrace legal same-sex marriages at sea.

Throughout her career, Jo’s impact has been widely recognised. She was named LGBT Trailblazer of the Year at the 2021 TTG Travel Awards, listed among the 2022 Top 20 Outstanding LGBT+ Executives globally by Yahoo Finance, and featured in the 2024 Attitude 101 list of influential LGBTQ+ trailblazers.

Jo credits her inclusive worldview to her upbringing by a German-Jewish mother and a Polish-Catholic father, both of whom escaped Nazi Germany and went on to create a home where “everyone was welcome.”

Jo comments, “Receiving this honour is truly humbling. I’ve been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of so many who believed in me, encouraged me, and reminded me that difference is a strength. From my parents’ open-door policy to the brave colleagues and mentors who shaped and guided me, their support is woven into every step I’ve taken. Diversity and inclusion are not just values, they’re a way of life.”

Building the next chapter of her career with intention and passion, Jo continues to inspire change through her consultancy, Jovolution, championing DEI as a powerful driver of business success for both purpose and profit. Jovolution helps businesses unlock strategic clarity, build inclusive cultures, mentor future leaders and guide growth with purpose.

Jo also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency, where she brings decades of strategic expertise and a deep commitment to inclusive leadership to the board.

Dame Irene Hays, owner and Chair of Hays Travel, “Huge congratulations Jo Rzymowska MBE! We need more people like you, who are willing to promote inclusion and stand up against intolerance. It is entirely fitting and deserved that your outstanding work championing equality and diversity has been recognised with this honour. Thank you for your contribution and the example you set for others.”

In addition, Jo sits on the development committee of the WOW Foundation and is a committed everywoman Ambassador, helping to advance gender equality worldwide. Driven by a desire to pay it forward, she is committed to inspiring future talent and positioning the travel industry as a space where people can thrive.

Jo continues, “Now, more than ever, this work matters. I’m incredibly thankful to be recognised, but I know the job isn’t done. Progress is fragile, and the greatest threat we face is indifference. We can’t stay quiet; we must stand up, speak out, and keep pushing for a world where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.”

From hiding her sexuality early in her career to becoming one of the most visible and respected LGBTQ+ leaders in global travel, Jo’s story is one of courage, influence, and lasting impact.