COLLETTE HIGHLIGHTS WOMEN-OWNED AND MANAGED BUSINESSES AND PARTNERS FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, first female CEO in Collette's 107 year history, spotlights the vital role women-led businesses, entrepreneurs and artisans play in communities worldwide

PAWTUCKET, R.I., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Collette, the leader in guided travel experiences, honors several extraordinary women-owned and managed businesses, female entrepreneurs and artisans on its global tours for Women's History Month. By featuring these businesses, Collette aims to provide a platform for their work as well as giving travelers more authentic travel experiences and appreciation of local culture.

"The skills, creativity and leadership of our women-led partners around the world is powerful, and deeply enriches the tour experience of each destination we visit," said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and CEO of Collette. "We believe travel can be a force for good, by both supporting the vital work of local businesses and deepening cultural awareness and appreciation for our global communities worldwide."

Some of the women-owned and managed businesses featured on Collette's 2025-2026 tours include:

Kazuri Beads Factory: Nairobi, Kenya (Responsible Travel Highlight on African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania) Kazuri Beads produces high quality, handmade ceramic jewelry and pottery, with a mission to empower disadvantaged women by providing fair wage employment and skills training. The workshop enables single mothers and vulnerable women to support their families through their artistry and talent. Their ethical business model offers employment while preserving a cultural heritage of Kenyan craftsmanship

Hood River Lavender Farms: Hood River, Oregon (Responsible Travel Highlight on Pacific Northwest & California) Hood River Lavender Farms is a woman-owned, fifth generation farm established in 2003. The founders create skin care products using lavender's healing properties. Their annual Lavender Daze Festival draws thousands to celebrate the peak bloom. Hood River Lavender Farms exemplifies a woman-owned family business blending horticulture with hospitality.

Ama Hut Satoumian: Japan (Responsible Travel Highlight on Japan: Past & Present) At Ama Hut Satoumian, female free divers grill fresh local seafood over a charcoal fire while sharing stories about their 2,000-year-old diving tradition and lives in the community. Travelers gain insight into their vital role in the regional pearl and seafood industries.

Sheroe's Hangout: Ranthambore, India (Impact Moment on Mysteries of India) This pay-what-you-choose cafe employs women who have survived harrowing acid attacks. Sheroes' Hangout aims to empower acid attack survivors while spreading awareness of violence against women in India. It represents the growing revolution of women who are standing up against the widespread femicide and female-based violence in India, all while supporting their livelihoods.

Frantoio Doglia: Tuscany, Italy (Responsible Travel Highlight on Tuscany and the Italian Riviera) Frantoio Doglia, owned by two sisters, produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil using traditional and organic methods. Their commitment to sustainability is featured in every step of their process. During the harvest, olives are hand-picked with rakes, adhering to time-honored traditions. By supporting Frantoio Doglia, travelers embrace sustainable farming all while experiencing the rich flavors of their exceptional olive oil and supporting a local women-owned business.

Heritage Tours: Memphis, Tennessee, USA (Responsible Travel Highlight on America's Music Cities) The Civil Rights City Tour by Heritage Tours in Memphis offers a captivating journey through some of the most prominent African American historical sites. Heritage Tours, which is Black and women-owned, highlights African American contributions to the city's rich heritage. Visitors have the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the Civil Rights Movement while supporting a woman/BIPOC owned company.

Penduka Village: Namibia (Impact Moment on Namibia & South Africa.) Penduka Village in Namibia, run entirely by women, is a social enterprise dedicated to gender equality and empowerment. Located by the scenic Goreangab Dam in Katutura, travelers go on a tour of the village and its manufacturing and hospitality facilities (led by one of the women who work there). These tours support the economic and social empowerment of these Namibian women

Amal Women's Training Center: Morocco (Impact Moment on Colors of Morocco) With a specific focus on training women, this non-profit empowers them to be successful, independent members of society. In a place where women are set in some old ways of discrimination, this organization exists to build them up. It is a safe and loving space where women can rewrite their narratives and step into power.

Collette's 2025-26 season - its 107th season of travel and adventure - features over 170 tours worldwide to destinations such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and South America. Collette's tours come with an emphasis on travel during low-season months to ensure local economies that rely on tourism thrive year-round, while giving travelers the opportunity to experience destinations away from the bustle of peak tourist season. To support local communities and partners, address overtourism, and offer a regionalized approach, Collette has also put a focus on creating programs that stay in popular secondary cities like Ise Shima, Japan; Cornwall, England; Sarajevo, Bosnia; and Pienza, Italy. Beyond supporting these female-led enterprises on their tours, Collette also has industry leading internal and local programs that support women and families.

For more information please visit at gocollette.com

About Collette:
As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company travelers can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette's comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. The happiness of its travelers has been its roadmap since 1918 and today Collette offers over 170 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through its social responsibility platform. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com or call 1(800) 340-5158. 

Contact:
Collette
Sam LaFrance
(401) 426-3710
[email protected]

GoodKnight Marketing and Communications for Collette
Michelle Zacharia
(908) 868-5397
[email protected]

SOURCE Collette Vacations