How To Support Women In Business: Tips For Travel Companies

According to research, approximately 33% of all travel companies are owned by women, and 70% of employees in the travel industry are women. The reality is, that while fewer employees are male, they account for most of the management positions.

As part of an ongoing conversation, we should ask ourselves how the travel industry (and businesses in general) can help empower women?

In this article, we look at the various issues faced by women in business. We’ve also included practical suggestions to help highlight how you can support the women in your travel company.

How Can Your Travel Company Empower Women In Business?

According to McKinsey, having a more diverse workforce affords you top talent, higher levels of employee satisfaction, and improves overall customer orientation. This, in turn, leads to increased returns for the company.

Even in these modern times, many women do not have access to the education and training needed to succeed in business. And the sad reality is that only 2,3% of women can secure venture capital funding.

What steps can you take to ensure that your travel company addresses these issues of empowerment of women in business?

Seven Tips For Supporting Women In Business

1. Invest In Female-Run Travel Businesses

Women have been making big strides in the business world, but they can achieve far greater success with the support and backing of other female leaders in the travel and tourism industry.

There are several ways to show female travel entrepreneurs your support. For example, you can identify candidates in the industry who may need professional guidance and motivation.

Here you can make a difference through mentoring, giving advice, and even donating resources where possible.

Another important issue is that of recognition. Aside from encouraging their efforts, try to recognize and celebrate women’s successes.

Investing in people doesn’t always have to mean funding them., You can invest in people in other ways, such as by promoting them on social media or growing their network by introducing them to your connections in the industry.

2. Support Female Tourism Entrepreneurs

When booking holidays for clients, use female-owned or run tour groups, lodgings, and travel activities wherever possible.

This will benefit women in business and educate your clients about the role that women are playing in the travel and tourism sector.

Showing your support in this way can help open the doors for female entrepreneurs. It helps increase awareness of their businesses, potentially leading to greater success.

In some cases, it may allow the entrepreneurs to create more jobs within their operation and extend opportunities to uplift other women.

3. Network With Female-Owned Travel Companies

Collaborate with other travel companies to create exciting new programs that empower women in business.

Get together regularly to discuss how to support women in business, either in person or virtually.

Organize “women in travel and tourism” conferences, where you can share ideas and find solutions to the problems women in this industry face. There are several planned for the U.S. this year.

Alternatively, you could represent women in the travel industry at one of the international tourism conferences scheduled for this year.

4. Sponsor An Organization That Uplifts And Empowers Women

Numerous organizations are getting involved in uplifting and empowering women all over the world. In some places, the opportunity is not equal, and the barrier to entry into the traditionally male-dominated tourism industry is tough to overcome

For example, the Middle East and North Africa offer incredible historical and cultural sites as well as beautiful natural landscapes. But this region of the world is lagging in economic opportunities and workforce participation of women.

This provides your company with an opportunity to get involved with organizations focused on bridging the gender gap in the industry and leveling the playing field.

Get in touch with one and find out how you can support one of their programs. It’s an opportunity to make a difference to countless women who may go on to start their own businesses.

5. Provide Gender Equality Training

UN Women is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women. They offer gender equality training courses and are a wealth of information on this issue.

If you prefer something more personalized for your travel company, get an expert on gender equality issues to talk to your staff and educate all your employees about gender equality in the workplace.

6. Give Back To The Community

Many travel, tourism, and wellness entrepreneurs have found innovative ways to give back to the community. Research and find ways for your own travel company to practice this.

Impact Travel Alliance, a global community of travelers and professionals in sustainable tourism, is dedicated to empowering women. This independent nonprofit organization operates around the world and is dedicated to responsible tourism.

ITA founder Kelley Louise suggests supporting female-founded companies and female artisans. Partnering with companies like this can be hugely beneficial for all parties and, most importantly, the communities they support.

7. Get Involved With A Global Tourism Network That Empowers Women

UNWNTO, the World Tourism Organization, collaborated with UN Women, the German Development Agency GIZ, World Bank, and Amadeus to produce a Global Report on Women in Tourism.

The report compiled statistical data and examples of good practices to illustrate the contribution of tourism toward goal 5 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Plan - gender equality and the empowerment of all women.

This report identifies how tourism can advance gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. Becoming informed about worldwide initiatives in women’s empowerment will better equip you to tackle this issue in your travel company.

The tourism industry can reach some of the most rural and underdeveloped communities. Women in such communities may find working in tourism to be a way to improve their access to employment opportunities.

Because women tend to be the caregivers in rural communities, they have skills that can be useful in the hospitality sector. With the right support, rural women can start their own community tourism program or produce crafts for the tourism sector by joining handicraft cooperatives.

In Conclusion

Women are changing the travel industry. Although there have been strides forward in tourism, there is still significant room for us to support and empower our colleagues, friends, and leaders to bridge the gap of inequality.

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