Women reshape Rio’s hospitality industry

With 44.7% of formal positions held by women, Rio’s hotel industry enters a new era led by female leadership and strategic vision.

On International Women’s Day, Rio de Janeiro’s hospitality sector celebrates a remarkable transformation. Once concentrated in operational roles, women now head major hotel chains, design strategies, and redefine service excellence. Data from the Observatório do Trabalho Carioca reveals that women represent nearly half of the city’s formal hotel workforce, with higher education levels and growing presence in leadership age groups.

According to Alfredo Lopes, president of HotéisRIO, this growth in female leadership reflects a more professional and modern industry. “Women have always been essential to hospitality, but now they’re leading operations and shaping the future of the business,” he says.

Women who inspire transformation

From Sophie Barbara at MGallery Santa Teresa, who faces cultural barriers in leadership, to Alexandra Bueno at Grand Hyatt Rio, now leading Latin America and the Caribbean, female managers are redefining success. Laís Vertis at Vila Paranaguá focuses on empathy and technical expertise to build respect and authority.

At Sheraton Rio, Sintia Gomes has paved the way for two decades, while Carolina Mescolin at Marriott brings purpose and humanity into daily leadership. In the countryside, Mônica Paixão, CEO of Le Canton, and Dona Lili Mello, founder of Hotel Fazenda Vilarejo, embody entrepreneurial strength and emotional intelligence that have become hallmarks of Brazilian hospitality.

The future of hospitality is female

Diversity and empathy are no longer buzzwords—they are strategic assets. Women’s leadership is shaping a more inclusive and innovative hospitality industry where business performance and human connection go hand in hand.

Photo: Courtesy