By Kerala will lead an international collective of women to increase their participation in the tourism industry and create a better environment for them to enter this field.
Shri Biju K, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, said that the tourism industry offers women several opportunities while they face numerous challenges worldwide.
He made the remarks at the three-day Global Women Conference on GenderInclusive and Responsible Tourism, which opened today in Mangulam in Idukki district.
The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society organised the conference on behalf of Kerala Tourism with support from UN Women, aligning with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) policy for promoting gender inclusivity in tourism.
“There are a lot of issues confronting women entrepreneurs and also great opportunities. A platform where they can freely communicate their problems is essential,” Shri Biju said.
“Kerala Tourism will take the initiative to form such an international alliance, and this global conference is the right step towards achieving it.”
NomadHer founder & CEO Hyojeong Kim; the UK’s Unseen Tours CEO Jayni Gudka, TravelLer Storyteller startup CEO & founder Elisa Spampinato, International Centre for Responsible Tourism representative Manisha Pandey; and Southeast Asia Research Academy (SEARA) co-director Lenny Yusrini also spoke on the topic moderated by Dr Harold Goodwin.
The participants pointed out that not only women but all marginalised groups should be involved in the tourism initiatives and receive its benefits.
They said supporting women’s empowerment is the society’s responsibility and that institutions like the Kerala RT Mission Society should create an environment where they can confidently exhibit their talents.
Speaking at a discussion on Safe and Inclusive tourism, Kerala Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran said safe travel was not just about freedom from the fear of being attacked.
“From landing at airports or railway and bus stations to the trips to their tourism destinations or hotels, tourism should be woman-child-mother friendly,” she said.
“Women tour guides, good toilets, mother-friendly tourism facilitation centres and hotels, and child-friendly transport systems – all fall within the scope of this definition.”
She also suggested increasing the use of innovative technology in a women-centric manner, creating women-friendly travel networks, and making feedback facilities efficient and responsive.
UN Women representative Paulomi Pal moderated the session, which was attended by Uttarakhand Tourism Additional Director Poonam Chand and Cebu Normal University, Philippines, Asst. Professor ClarezielDe Ladringan.
Presentations on the topic of Women Entrepreneurship in Tourism were made by Mridula Tangirala, HeadTourism, Tata Trusts; Priyadharshini Paramasivam, Project Leader, Skilling and Training, SWT Academy; Geetu Mohandas, Founder, Let’s Go for a Camp, KRTM Society; Julie Joy, DDH Hospitality, KRTM Society and Renjini Thampi, Founder, Vapasee.
