On November 19th, the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) Gulf will make its debut in Dubai, hosted at Google’s Innovation Hub within Dubai Internet City. Our landmark event, which is supported by industry leaders including Intrepid Travel, DiamondAir International, and Jumeirah, is set to inspire transformation within the Gulf’s travel and tourism sector.
With the theme “Building a Gender-Inclusive, Economically Empowering Travel and Tourism Industry,” IWTTF Gulf will bring together global thought leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and advocates to address critical topics such as gender diversity in leadership, workplace inclusivity, and support for female entrepreneurship. For five years, IWTTF has inspired change in London, and this November marks its first expansion into the Gulf, where the aim is to foster inclusive practices and empower a more equitable industry landscape.
Attendees can expect a dynamic program of keynote sessions, case studies, and interactive mentoring, with actionable insights designed to drive gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. Join us in celebrating this milestone and be part of a movement that is reshaping the future of travel and tourism.
In anticipation, we’ll feature a series of Q&As with our event sponsors, beginning with Hala Benkhaldoun, the General Manager, of Intrepid Morocco, offering insights into her career journey and vision for a more inclusive industry.
Can you tell us about the defining moment or experience that inspired you to pursue your career in travel?
When I applied for the role of General Manager at Intrepid, I hadn’t yet decided to work in travel. However, the company’s commitment to purpose and its inspiring initiatives championing women in travel sparked something in me. I was invited to an interview at the Marrakech office, and when I arrived, I came with a decade of experience in corporate finance, from financial engineering to banking. I was warmly greeted by a staff member who proposed coffee and fruits.
Entering the office, I immediately felt the vibrant energy; everyone was speaking English, and there was an undeniable sense of purpose in the air. I then met with Zina, the Regional General Manager of Morocco and Europe at the time who was extremely inspiring, and Gary Cohen, who was leading the Latin American region. The interview focused on values, leadership, vision, people, diversity, and inclusion.
To be honest, I felt a bit thrown—it was unlike any interview I’d had before. For the first time, I saw an opportunity to align my passion with my professional background in a way that felt authentic. Since then, working in travel has become a deep passion, pushing me to exceed what I thought possible in any other industry.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges when starting in my role was building trust with some of the existing managers who had been with the business for some time. I approached this by expressing my full confidence in their expertise and leadership within their areas and emphasizing that I rely on them to continue driving their teams forward. My role, I explained, would be to offer guidance from a fresh perspective coming from a different industry, support them in defining goals, and ensure alignment with our broader business aspirations.
When COVID hit, it brought the most challenging period I have ever faced. I even considered leaving the industry yet felt a strong sense of an unfinished mission—I wasn’t ready to abandon the ship. This experience, though incredibly tough, bonded us as managers and strengthened our trust in ways I hadn’t anticipated. During this period, we became a strong support system for each other, and I found invaluable support in my peer, Zina. Together, we protected the team as much as possible, and having someone with whom I could openly share my fears made a world of difference.
Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career, and what impact did they have on your path?
I had three big influencers and mentors throughout my career :
- The first was Nordine, a partner at the consulting company where I began my career as a consultant. It was my very first exposure to the corporate world, and the team’s first experience with someone from a different background—less technical yet bringing diverse skills and different views. It was a real success and opened the door to much more diversity in the team. Nordine’s trust in me was unwavering from day one. He uplifted my confidence, and his support, combined with my determination, helped me thrive.
- The second is my mentor, Alia, from the corporate banking sector. Alia helped me see the unique pressures women face and the obstacles I needed to navigate to succeed. She encouraged me to take the next step in my career, and noticing the spark in my eyes while I spoke about Intrepid, she knew it was the right path for me.
- The third is Zina, who saw potential in me I hadn’t yet recognized. She entrusted me with a significant responsibility, fully aware that I had no prior experience in Travel and Tourism. Zina understood the challenges I would encounter but believed in my ability to overcome them. She has been a steadfast supporter ever since, and I feel secure approaching her with any challenges, knowing we can solve them together. Her example has inspired me to be a role model for other women in the industry, and I will always be deeply grateful to her.
Finally, why did you want to be involved with IWTTF Gulf and what do you hope to take away from it?
I was particularly motivated to join IWTTF Gulf to share some of the impactful initiatives we’ve implemented in Morocco to empower women and increase their representation in the travel industry. Through these initiatives, we’ve successfully engaged industry and government bodies, aligning them with our mission to create more opportunities for women and foster a supportive ecosystem. This forum provides an invaluable platform not only to exchange best practices but also to learn from other leaders’ experiences and insights. By participating, I hope to contribute to and gain from the collective knowledge, fostering connections that will support the broader advancement of women in tourism across the region and beyond.
Women in Travel CIC
