PATA is set to organise its International Conference on Women in Travel from March 20 to 22 in Bohol, the Philippines.
Hosted by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT), the three-day conference featuring industry leaders will underscore the crucial role of women and the current state of gender diversity in the tourism industry. It will uncover initiatives and strategies towards progress and equality such as breaking barriers for women’s empowerment in the industry, promoting sustainability with women as agents of change, and fostering women’s leadership development.
The event will not only celebrate women’s achievements and contributions to travel and tourism but also provide an opportunity to critically examine gender disparities in the industry, shedding light on various issues such as the lack of women in managerial positions.
Recognising that addressing gender equality in the travel and tourism sector is crucial to the responsible and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “Despite comprising almost 50 per cent of the tourism workforce in the Asia-Pacific region, women have not received the appreciation and support necessary for their own economic and social prosperity. The event aims to spark meaningful dialogues and creative solutions dedicated to the empowerment of women in the travel sector.”
“This event aligns seamlessly with our commitment to promoting diversity and empowering women in the travel and tourism sector. Through this conference, we aim to showcase the country’s dedication to women’s progress, from supporting local entrepreneurship to advocating for gender equality in education,” remarked Philippines’ tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Bohol is nestled in the heart of the Central Visayas region of the Philippines and is renowned for its landscapes, dolphin encounters near Pamilacan Island and coral garden exploration at Panglao, Balicasag, and Cabilao Islands. Other highlights include Danao’s Adventure Park, and Bohol’s rich heritage, featuring old houses, centuries-old stone churches, and watchtowers. The destination has also made significant strides in promoting women empowerment through various initiatives, supporting local women in entrepreneurship, providing opportunities for skill development and economic independence.
