Jo Rzymowska awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours list
Travel leader Jo Rzymowska has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III for her “outstanding accomplishments” in inclusion and diversity within the travel industry
Serving 18 years at Royal Carribean, Rzymowska climbed her way to vice president and managing director for Celebrity Cruises EMEA. She helped to cultivate openness and acceptance across the business, securing Celebrity Cruises as one of the global frontrunners for inclusion. Her influence caused Celebrity Cruises to become the first US cruise line to embrace legal same-sex marriages at sea.
She also became an executive sponsor for Employee Resource groups, championed the Pride at Sea programme, and helped travel agents and staff better serve LGBTQ+ travellers with new training and tools. Rzymowska also played a large role in the All Inclusive Photo Project, which challenges how diverse travellers are portrayed in mainstream marketing.
She has been appraised across her field with awards and recognition, crediting her success to her German-Jewish mother and Polish-Catholic father who, after fleeing Nazi Germany, always embraced diversity, creating a home where “everyone was welcome.”
Rzymowska continues to advocate for change, currently serving as the non-executive director at Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency, offering her decades of strategic expertise and deep commitment to inclusive leadership to the board.
Currently sitting on the development committee for the WOW foundation and being a committed everywoman ambassador, Rzymowska is helping to advance gender equality worldwide. She is determined to inspire future talent and help make the travel industry a space where any person can thrive.
“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,” she said. “We can’t stay quiet; we must stand up, speak out, and keep pushing for a world where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.”
Rzymowska continues to fight for inclusivity, her MBE honour showing how important her values continue to be to the industry.
Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “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.”
