Jo Rzymowska – the former Celebrity Cruises vice-president for the EMEA region – has been awarded an MBE in the latest UK honours list.
Ms Rzymowska – hugely popular and well known to many in the Irish travel trade, not only via Celebrity but also from her time as sales and marketing director for the UK & Ireland for Royal Caribbean Group – has been awarded the MBE for services to diversity and inclusion in the travel industry as part of King Charles’ birthday honours list.
Ms Rzymowska – who now runs her own consultancy business Jovolution and is a non-executive director of Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency – said: “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. 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.”
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.”
Jovolution helps businesses unlock strategic clarity, build inclusive cultures, mentor future leaders and guide growth with purpose. The company champions DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) as a powerful driver of business success for both purpose and profit.
In addition, Ms Rzymowska 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.
While at Royal Caribbean/Celebrity, she 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, Ms Rzymowska’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.
