As Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure since 2018, Jacqui Gifford has redefined luxury travel journalism through her focus on sustainable practices and gender equity. Based in New York with global operational reach, her work bridges cultural preservation with modern hospitality innovation.
“The future of travel lies in creating value that benefits both visitors and host communities equally.”
Recent recognitions include the 2024 National Magazine Award and James Beard Foundation honors. Gifford continues to shape industry standards through her NBC Today Show segments and academic partnerships with Cornell’s Hotel School.
This 2023 manifesto revolutionized how travel publications approach gender representation. Gifford combines statistical analysis of leadership gaps with firsthand accounts from hotel CEOs and tour operators. The piece introduced T+L’s “Women in Travel” mentorship program, now adopted by 17 industry partners[5].
“True inclusivity means creating pathways for diverse voices to shape travel experiences from conception to execution.”
Published through the World Economic Forum, this 2024 analysis benchmarks progress against UN Sustainable Development Goals. Gifford evaluates 23 case studies ranging from Bhutan’s tourism tax to Costa Rican eco-lodges, providing actionable metrics for destinations[6].
This 2025 industry report identifies three paradigm shifts: the rise of “slow luxury,” demand for trauma-informed hospitality training, and blockchain verification of sustainable claims. Gifford’s team conducted interviews with 148 luxury hoteliers across six continents[8].
Gifford prioritizes stories demonstrating measurable environmental impact, like the recent feature on Singapore’s urban rewilding hotels. Pitches should include verifiable metrics and interviews with certified sustainability experts[6].
With 68% of her 2024 articles profiling female industry leaders, successful pitches often reveal untold stories like the all-women ranger team protecting Rwanda’s gorillas. Include unique angles on mentorship programs or funding initiatives[5].
Recent coverage of Kyoto’s textile tourism initiative shows her interest in tangible cultural conservation methods. Proposals should detail partnerships with local communities and preservation metrics[8].
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Travel, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
