Building on the success of the inaugural award launched at ITB in 2023, this recognition continues to mark a groundbreaking milestone in the world of tourism. This year’s winner, announced on International Women’s Day at ITB was Costa Rican travel operator Travel Excellence showcasing their work towards a more gender-balanced world.
LONDON – Equality in Tourism, an international organisation committed to advancing gender equality within the tourism industry, announces the return of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award 2024 for its highly anticipated second edition. The award celebrates and honours tourism organisations that exemplify unwavering dedication to gender equality and inclusivity and showcases their exceptional practices.
According to UNWTO, women make up the majority of the tourism workforce but tend to be concentrated in the lowest paid and status jobs. As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNWTO is committed to enhancing the positive impact of tourism development on women’s lives to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Equality in Tourism believes that the sector must address gender equality in the workplace and celebrate success and drive improvement, encouraging tourism businesses to integrate gender equality into policies and work practices.
Applications for this award are now officially open, inviting participation from tourism and hospitality organisations that have made remarkable strides towards gender equality in their policies, practices, and culture. An esteemed panel of renowned gender and tourism experts will carefully evaluate the submissions to identify the Gender Equality Champion of the Year 2024.
The award will be presented in March 2024, at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading tourism trade fair, where the deserving winner will be celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to gender equality within the tourism industry.
Dr. Stroma Cole, reader in tourism at the University of Westminster and Co-Director of Equality in Tourism emphasised the award’s significance by stating, “As we continue our journey toward a more inclusive and equitable tourism sector, this award serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide. There is still much work to be done, but by recognising and rewarding gender equality champions, we aim to inspire others to follow suit.”
Organisations interested in competing for this esteemed accolade can submit their applications until 17 January 2024.
The award’s ultimate aim is to promote progress and endorse accomplishments, encouraging tourism firms to integrate gender equality into their policies and work methodologies. Equality in Tourism remains at the forefront of championing gender equality within the tourism sector, working tirelessly to eliminate gender-based disparities and fostering a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
