Indian Women voices in Tourism & Hospitality. Progress, Challenges, Solutions, Call to Action

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with Distinguished Expert Panel

Picture of Prof. Anukrati Sharma

Prof. Anukrati Sharma

Director Skill Development Center
Director Office of International Affairs
University of Kota

Picture of Ms. Anita Mendiratta

Ms. Anita Mendiratta

Special Advisor to UN Tourism
Diplomat & Author

Picture of Prof. Sunita Tanwar

Prof. Sunita Tanwar

Professor & Head of
Department Management
Central University of Haryana

Picture of Prof. Adyasha Das

Prof. Adyasha Das

Professor at Indian Institute of
Tourism & Travel Management

Picture of Dr. Vanessa Gowreesunkar

Dr. Vanessa Gowreesunkar

Assoc. Prof. Indian Institute
of Management, Sirmaur
VP Int Tourism Studies Association

Picture of Dr. Manpreet Arora

Dr. Manpreet Arora

Assoc. Prof. Management
Central University of Himachal Pradesh

Picture of Dr. Anila Thomas

Dr. Anila Thomas

Head, Department of Tourism,
Jyoti Nivas College

Picture of Prof. Kshamata Chaudhary

Prof. Kshamata Chaudhary

Director of Research Department
Social Sciences & Humanities

Picture of Dr. Rupa Sinha

Dr. Rupa Sinha

Tourism Instructor Eton College
British Columbia, Canada

How women are transforming tourism in India the world most populous country and 4th largest Economy.

Women are the backbone of the tourism economy. Of the entire global workforce in tourism, more than half is female. But due to gender stereotypes, the pressures of care work and other challenges, public-facing positions don’t always reflect that majority. Within this USD 11 trillion industry, women are often in the background, making things work, but are rarely visible.  But when women are given access to more prominent roles – backed by the appropriate training, investment and mentorship – the entire industry benefits.  When women undertake leadership and decision-making roles in local tourism, the entire perception of a destination change. Why women-led travel businesses are changing the game in IndFrom breaking stereotypes to redefining hospitality, women-led travel businesses in India are revolutionising the sector. With a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of community, and an innate ability to create unforgettable experiences, these entrepreneurs are crafting a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative travel landscape. But it is not just about business, it is about impact. Women are building ventures that prioritise sustainability, empower local communities, and cater to underserved traveller demographics, including solo female travellers and cultural explorers.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

IHCL ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
• India’s largest hospitality company, IHCL, is known for championing the cause of women and enhancing their participation both, within and outside the organization. IHCL introduced ‘She Remains the Taj’, a holistic framework of women-centric initiatives for all stakeholders including guests, employees, partners and the community. This encompasses enhanced experiences for women travellers at its hotels across the globe.
• In an industry practice, IHCL’s policies include extended maternity leave, crèche facilities, healthcare benefits including IVF treatments, and skilling of women in under-served communities and regions.
• Cognizant of the growing economic influence of women consumers, ‘She Remains the Taj’ re-iterates our commitment to creating customer-centric experiences for travellers.
• IHCL has announced its goal to raise women participation in its workforce to 25% by 2025, and support women led businesses and partners. As part of its commitment to increase women in leadership positions, 25% of these roles at upcoming IHCL hotels will be women.