Closing a rather special week!
Women in Travel CIC’s first ever IWTTF GULF took place on Tuesday in Dubai, followed by our participation at Skift’s Women Luncheon on Wednesday, invited by its generous host Carolyn Kremins
The inaugural IWTTF GULF was the first in our international expansion of IWTTF, and it could not have been more timely or better received. Not only was it greatly supported by current partners: Google Intrepid Travel and DiamondAir International , it was also partnered by prestigious regional companies including Jumeirah, One Perfect Group and Cozmo Travel part of the Air Arabia group.
On a personal level, it was my first time back in the UAE since the pandemic and I was very curious (and perhaps a little apprehensive) about what to expect, given the pace of tourism development and societal change of the last few years, contrasted with ongoing challenges around DEI and persisting barriers to women’s progress.
Honestly, I was blown away by a room of highly engaged travel and tourism professionals, men and women, who came together intentionally and honestly to discuss and question the state of inclusion, equity and diversity for women in industry and in the region.
I was also amazed by our inspiring speakers, who talked authentically about the topic and gave us powerful insights into their journey to leadership, often sharing stories of uncertainty, self-doubt and courage that made them all the more relatable.
I have been truly enriched by the many encounters with trailblazing women, by the courageous conversations that were held and the honest accounts of what it takes to make it as a woman leader in this industry and region.
With tourism developing at an unprecedented rate throughout the region and expected to deliver 1 in 9 jobs in the region (and 1 in 5 in Saudi Arabia) in the next decade according to research from The World Travel and Tourism Council, the industry has a wonderful opportunity to capitalise on the pool of talent represented by highly qualified women from the broader region who are currently deciding where to focus their energy and ambition going forward or are pondering their next move.
For that, however, the industry must listen to what women say and the needs they clearly articulate, helping them address some of the persisting challenges and choose to stay in Travel and Tourism.
Here below are the top three priorities I distilled from my many conversations during this short time in the region:
#1 Women in the region are ambitious, innovative and resilient.
As an employer or line manager, never assume you know about their professional and personal ambitions and when you do, prepare to be surprised! Whether they are travel content creators, hospitality employees or scaling up their own businesses, one thing is certain: they are determined to achieve their full potential and not in the least scared to claim their righteous place at the core of travel and tourism!
#2 Travel, Tourism and Hospitality employers need to adapt and evolve to maximise women’s talent.
Hospitality and welcome are strong values in the UAE. Women grow up welcoming guests into their homes and families, so they inherently understand what it takes to create a memorable experience. Women in the region are excited by the opportunities offered by this growing sector, yet fully aware of persisting limitations driven by traditional norms and societal expectations. Will employers provide greater #flexibility so that women can do the job whilst also fulfilling caring roles? Will employers retain women by providing a roadmap to career success so female colleagues can plan for the next steps and prepare accordingly?
Will employers invest in women through leadership programmes and other capacity-building tools that will support engagement and connection? Sometimes all it takes are small tweaks to make a big impact and cooperation is critical to turn potential obstacles into opportunities.
#3 Male and female Allyship is core to success, together with networking and collaboration
Much was said about the importance of allies. Our room saw senior male leaders taking part in open conversations, aware of the positive impact they can have on attracting, developing and retaining women in the industry. We also welcome @Hany as our first Male Ally from the region into our programme. Male allyship matters at all levels and applies also to entrepreneurship, where we heard that many women entrepreneurs struggle to access funding.
Equally, women who have reached senior positions in the workplace are needed as role models and mentors to attract and retain the next generation of talent. Additionally, women are seeking opportunities to come together and learn from each other as well as from male colleagues, through formal and informal platforms.
In summary, women in the UAE are ready to elevate their role in the industry. I feel real passion and commitment to this sector. By collaborating, holding open conversations and enabling some adjustments, the outcome can be one of continued success for everyone involved.
Alessandra Alonso, Women in Travel CIC
