Stacey Hill on Courage, Connection & Becoming a Leader
Meet Stacey Hill, Business Development Manager VIC/SA/TAS for Regent Seven Seas and Speaker on The Emerging Young Leaders Panel for 2026
Give to Gain, The Next Generation
Throughout my 19year career in this wonderful industry, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly generous leaders who shaped not only my path, but also my belief in what’s possible. From my early days as a travel agent in Adelaide to discovering the world of luxury hospitality in Canada, I was continually supported, encouraged, and pushed to grow. What began as a simple two year working holiday visa turned into eight years of growing in leadership at one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, the Fairmont Banff Springs. An opportunity I would never have imagined for myself without the mentors who believed in me.
Their generosity sharing their time, their knowledge, and their unwavering confidence in me taught me one of the values I hold most strongly today: you can achieve absolutely anything you set your mind to. That lesson changed my life, and it’s something I now strive to pass on to the next generation of our industry.
I believe travel is one of the most diverse and exciting careers in the world with so many avenues, and I encourage those coming up behind me to step outside their comfort zone, to say yes to new experiences, and to trust themselves even when the path isn’t clear. Sometimes that means moving across the world without knowing a single soul; it means backing yourself before you fully know what you’re capable of. Resilience & curiosity is key.
Today, I give back by sharing my experiences openly, mentoring whenever I can, and creating a supportive space for others to grow, just as my mentors did for me. Because when we give our time, our encouragement, and our knowledge, we lift not only individuals, but our entire industry. And that’s how we rise together.
Finding Your Voice
As part of a generation that’s redefining leadership and how we show up for one another.
Having a platform and a voice in this generation means using it with intention. We’re living in a time where change doesn’t happen in years or even months anymore it happens in hours, days, and weeks. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and the way we lead has completely evolved. In this environment, I believe our greatest responsibility as leaders is to stay connected to one another through genuine communication.
With this platform, my message to the panel is simple: connection is our greatest leadership tool. When we take the time to truly listen, to share, and to engage with each other, we create space for collaboration, creativity, and confidence. And in an industry and a world changing as rapidly as ours, those connections are what keep us grounded, inspired, and moving forward together.
The Future of Travel
When I look ahead, my hope is that the future of travel becomes even more deeply rooted in respect—respect for people, for cultures, for the places we visit, and for the planet that allows us to explore them. As travellers, we have a responsibility to be mindful guests, not just observers passing through.
Personally, sustainability is incredibly important to me. I believe that when we arrive in a destination, we should truly immerse ourselves with curiosity. That means taking the time to learn about the local culture before we arrive, understanding the customs, and remembering that we are visitors in someone else’s everyday world.
It also means being thoughtful in our actions: giving people space, not photographing locals without their permission, and engaging with communities in meaningful ways. Something as simple as purchasing from a small family-owned shop or choosing locally made goods can have a real impact. These choices show respect, support local economies, and help keep cultural traditions alive.
Looking forward, I hope our industry continues to champion sustainable practices from how we operate as professionals to how we educate our guests. Travel should not disrupt, it should uplift. If we all act with intention, awareness, and respect, we can ensure that the destinations we love are preserved and even improved for the generations who will follow.
Looking Ahead
What excites me most about this year’s A Force for Good event is the opportunity to connect, recharge, and be inspired by the incredible people who shape our industry. Events like this remind us of the power of community. Coming together to share our stories, celebrate one another, and learn from leaders and peers who are doing remarkable things.
I’m really looking forward to hearing the diverse perspectives in the room, who are already redefining what the future of travel can look like. Their passion, creativity, and courage genuinely inspire me, and I can’t wait to see how our industry continues to evolve with the right guidance and influence.
For me, this event is a chance to pause, and step into another exciting year feeling uplifted and motivated. Being part of a day that empowers us all to grow, support each other, and be a force for good is something I value and is something I’m truly excited to experience.
“Thank you so much Stacey, — It’s voices like yours that remind us the future of our industry is in great hands.”
