“International Women’s Day is a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go,” says AAT Kings Group CEO Ben Hall. “It’s about respect, opportunity and ensuring equality is not just an aspiration. It’s something we actively build.”
At AAT Kings, this belief shapes how we approach leadership, development and opportunity across our business. The 2026 theme, Give to Gain, reflects the culture we continue to foster. When we give women space to lead, meaningful mentorship and pathways for growth, we gain stronger leadership, broader thinking and a more inclusive future for our industry.
Through initiatives such as TTC’s Mentorship Program, we are creating connections across brands and departments, building confidence at every career stage and ensuring talent is supported to thrive. Because when women are empowered to grow, the impact extends far beyond the individual. It strengthens our teams, enriches our culture and shapes the experiences we deliver every day.
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to share the voices of women across AAT Kings and TTC who are shaping our future.
Dianne Morgan
General Manager of Group Marketing
What inspired you to join AAT Kings, and how long have you been with the business?
“I joined AAT Kings in 2021, in the midst of COVID. My background was entirely in hotels, and moving into touring broadened my perspective on the depth and diversity of our industry. Over the past several years, it has been incredibly rewarding to help rebuild, evolve and strengthen our brands during such a pivotal period.”
In your experience, how can travel help elevate and highlight women’s stories?
“Travel is about people and storytelling. It creates powerful opportunities for women’s voices to be heard across cultures and generations. Through travel, we meet female guides, community leaders, artisans and business owners who may not otherwise have a global platform. When travellers engage with and support them, they contribute to greater visibility and empowerment.”
Throughout your journey, who has been a mentor or role model to you, and how has their guidance shaped your path?
“I’ve had both formal and informal mentors throughout my career. One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from a former Hotel General Manager who told me that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. That mindset shaped how I lead today. It gave me permission to be collaborative and to actively seek diverse perspectives.”
If you’ve been involved in the TTC mentorship program, could you share a little about that experience?
“I’ve been both a mentor and a mentee in the TTC Mentorship Program, and both experiences have been equally valuable. Mentorship is not just for those early in their careers. At every stage, there is always more to learn. When both people actively invest in the relationship, it creates powerful moments of insight, confidence and growth.”
What message would you share with young women who are just starting their careers?
“Be open to opportunities. Some of the most defining moments in my career came from saying yes to roles that felt outside my comfort zone. Growth rarely happens in the familiar.”
Elisa Milazzo
Operations Administration Manager
What inspired you to join AAT Kings, and how long have you been with the business?
“I joined AAT Kings in 2011 and have been here for 15 years. I’ve held roles across Operations, On Road and Systems, which has given me a broad understanding of how our business comes together. What has always inspired me to stay is the people. I’m passionate about the teams I work with every day, from our office teams to our Tour Directors and drivers.”
In your experience, how can travel help elevate and highlight women’s stories?
“The travel industry creates space for women to share their experiences and champion one another. When women are given platforms to speak and lead, the conversations and connections that follow reinforce just how powerful it is to be heard and supported.”
Throughout your journey, who has been a mentor or role model to you?
“As a full-time working mum of two young girls, my manager Jody has been a true role model. She has built a successful career while raising four children, and she leads with both strength and authenticity. Watching how she navigates resilience, adaptability and balance has shaped my own leadership style.”
If you’ve been involved in the TTC mentorship program, could you share a little about that experience?
“This is my second year participating as a mentor. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those ‘aha’ moments when someone reaches a breakthrough. Beyond the one-on-one connection, the broader cohort strengthens relationships across departments and brands.”
What message would you share with young women starting their careers?
“Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable. Don’t focus only on climbing upward. Sideways moves can broaden your experience. Ask questions, challenge respectfully and stay curious.”
Audrey Peltier
Contact Centre Sales Agent
What inspired you to join AAT Kings, and how long have you been with the business?
“In April 2026, it will mark two years since I joined AAT Kings. From a young age, I dreamed of working in tourism. When I moved to Australia, I wanted to build my career in this industry. AAT Kings gave me the opportunity to offer incredible tours while immersing myself in Australia and New Zealand.”
In your experience, how can travel help elevate and highlight women’s stories?
“Travel has been life changing for me. As a young woman who was once shy and lacked confidence, travelling solo pushed me outside my comfort zone. I learned to rely on myself and discovered strength I didn’t know I had. Travel opens our minds and allows us to meet incredible women whose stories inspire growth and possibility.”
Throughout your journey, who has been a mentor or role model to you?
“My role model has been François, who I met during my first trip to South Africa. He built his own travel agency after leaving France to explore the world. He showed me that anything is possible when you pursue your goals with passion and heart. He also taught me that good men can be powerful role models for women.”
If you’ve been involved in the TTC mentorship program, could you share a little about that experience?
“I’m thrilled to be part of the TTC Mentorship Program as a mentee this year. I applied to grow, learn and gain experience so I can step into more responsibility in the future. Even in our early sessions, my mentor has already inspired and encouraged me.”
What message would you share with young women who are just starting their careers?
“Dare to dream. Dare to believe in yourself. Be patient and take actions that are within your control. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and trust that opportunities will come.”
Mylinda Joyce
Global Director of Talent & Capability, TTC
What inspired you to join AAT Kings?
“I had been working in Learning and Development within global consumer brands and wanted to diversify industries. Travel had always been on my wish list. I believed it would be full of dynamic, passionate people, and four years on, I have not been disappointed.”
In your experience, how can travel help elevate and highlight women’s stories?
“Diversity of experience drives storytelling. When we step outside our own world, we become more curious and open. Travel exposes us to the breadth of lives, communities and stories that exist. That naturally elevates voices that may otherwise go unheard.”
Throughout your journey, who has been a mentor or role model to you?
“My most impactful mentor was my Opera Coach, Patsy Sage. She empowered me to own my voice fully, not to shape it according to others’ expectations. That lesson stayed with me through my career transition and continues to influence how I lead.”
If you’ve been involved in the TTC mentorship program, could you share a little about that experience?
“I launched the TTC Mentorship Program in ANZ in 2023 to deepen connection and leverage our internal talent. It has since expanded globally and become one of our most sought-after development offerings. Over 90 percent of participants report stronger connection to the organisation, and 100 percent of mentees report greater goal clarity and broader networks. Mentorship works best when it arrives at the right time, not only at the beginning of a career.”
What message would you share with young women starting their careers?
“Get out there and make things happen, but be patient with yourself. You can be doing everything right and the next opportunity may not arrive when you expect. Keep driving forward anyway. And remember, careers are a team sport. Be someone people want to work with.”
Rachel Hall
Driver Guide
What inspired you to join AAT Kings, and how long have you been with the business?
“I was working in Far North Queensland in a completely different industry when I saw a Driver Guide role advertised in Yulara, Northern Territory. Years earlier, I had dreamed of working in tourism. Seeing the role felt like a sign. I applied straight away and have now been with AAT Kings for just over four months.”
In your experience, how can travel help elevate and highlight women’s stories?
“Travel is a powerful way for connection and networking to take place. Women travelling solo or in groups often meet other inspiring women with shared experiences. Witnessing how women live and lead in different cultures can be incredibly strengthening and something you reflect on for a lifetime.”
Throughout your journey, who has been a mentor or role model to you?
“I’ve been lucky to have a wealth of knowledge and support from my fellow female colleagues in Yulara. We hype each other up and genuinely support one another. I also have a strong support network back home who back me on every bold decision.”
What message would you share with young women who are just starting their careers?
“Ask lots of questions and have fun. We can learn so much from each other. With time and experience, you’ll find your own way of thriving. Be curious.”