Dubai Set To Lead Gender Equity Talks With Inaugural International Women In Travel & Tourism Forum!

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Dubai is set to host the first-ever International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum in the Gulf, focusing on leadership, gender equity, and DEI in the travel industry.

Dubai will soon host the inaugural International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum (IWTTF) outside the UK, marking its significant expansion into new global territories. Set for November 19, 2024, this Gulf edition of the International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum will serve as a vital platform for dialogue on leadership, gender equity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the travel and tourism sector. Organized by Women in Travel CIC, the event underscores their commitment to advancing these critical conversations worldwide.

Pioneering a New Hub for DEI and Leadership in Travel

This exclusive, invitation-only forum offers travel professionals across the Gulf region a unique space to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate. The core themes of the event align with Women in Travel CIC’s long-standing mission, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and allyship—particularly for women from underrepresented areas within the travel industry.

“Launching International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum Gulf is an exciting step in our journey to becoming a truly international platform for advancing gender equity and DEI in travel,” said Alessandra Alonso, Founder and Managing Director of Women in Travel CIC. “The travel industry has the power to empower women, especially in regions where opportunities may be more limited. This forum will provide the space for these critical conversations to happen, fostering collaboration and driving change.”

A Global Vision for Women in Travel

The debut of the International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum in the Gulf reflects Women in Travel CIC’s continued global growth. Long-term partners such as Google and Intrepid Travel are key supporters of this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing gender equity within the sector. Google will host the event at its regional office in Dubai, continuing its support after sponsoring previous editions in London.

Marie De Ducla, Senior Lead for Travel, Retail & Consumer Goods MENA at Google, emphasized the importance of inclusion in driving growth across industries. “The travel industry plays a crucial role in the economies of the Middle East and North Africa, and inclusion is key to sustaining that growth. We’re thrilled to partner with International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum to help empower more women to thrive and lead in this dynamic industry,” she said.

Intrepid Travel, a founding sponsor of International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum , is also actively involved in this new initiative. Zina Bencheikh, Managing Director of Intrepid Travel EMEA, praised the expansion into the Gulf, noting that tourism has been a transformative force for women in the region. “The Middle East holds incredible potential for women in travel, and we are confident that International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum Gulf will help push boundaries and inspire meaningful change for the next generation of female leaders,” said Bencheikh.

Advancing Women’s Empowerment in Travel

This Gulf debut aims to ensure that women from across the travel and tourism industry, beyond traditional markets like Europe and North America, have access to mentorship, networking, and career growth opportunities. By expanding into the Middle East, Women in Travel CIC opens new channels for women to engage with leaders and peers, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry and succeed in this competitive field.

Investing in a Diverse Future for the Industry

Proceeds from the forum will be reinvested in Women in Travel CIC’s larger mission of connecting diverse and underserved female talent with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This reinvestment is crucial to fostering a more inclusive workforce that truly represents the diversity of the global industry.

London 2025 Dates Announced for International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum

Following the Gulf event, Women in Travel CIC has also confirmed that the next International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum in London will take place on June 19, 2025. Open to all sectors of the travel and tourism industry, the London forum will feature the annual International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum Awards on June 18, recognizing outstanding achievements in promoting gender equity and diversity. Tickets for this highly anticipated event will go on sale early next year.

Looking ahead, International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum has set its sights on expanding into more regions, with plans to bring the forum to other global markets where gender equity and DEI issues in travel are gaining prominence. “Based on the success of our Gulf and London events, we may explore further expansion into other key regions where we know these conversations are needed,” said Alonso.

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