Empowering Women At The Forefront Of Sustainable Tourism In APAC

At the forefront of sustainability efforts within the Asia-Pacific region, women-led tourism initiatives are making significant strides. However, according to experts from the United Nations (UN) on tourism, there is a pressing need for increased financial investment, training, and equal opportunities to achieve gender equality fully. These insights were shared during the second regional conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Asia & the Pacific. This event served as a crucial platform for some of the most influential women in tourism across the region to highlight their initiatives, pinpoint challenges, and formulate strategies for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The conference aligns with the global drive towards Sustainable Development Goal 5, focusing on gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was co-hosted by UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia. The gathering saw over 500 participants from 25 countries come together to exchange best practices, establish new partnerships, and discuss strategies to foster gender equality in the tourism sector.

Central to the discussions was the tourism sector's role in contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The Ministerial Roundtable and three panels delved into critical areas for women's empowerment in tourism, including entrepreneurship, leadership, education, accessibility, and workforce participation. A significant announcement made during the conference was the opening of UN Tourism’s flagship ‘Centre Stage’ capacity-building programme for gender equality to all its Asia and Pacific Member States. This programme aims to provide targeted support to governments and tourism businesses to create more opportunities for women's empowerment and professional development.

Among the key recommendations emerging from the discussions were supporting women-owned businesses, introducing gender-responsive budgeting, enhancing training opportunities, and promoting women's leadership in decision-making roles. Harry Hwang, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of UN Tourism, highlighted the importance of the conference as a milestone towards gender equality in tourism. He acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, much work remains.

Angela Tanoesoedibjo, Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Deputy Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency of Indonesia, emphasized the vital role of Indonesian women in the tourism sector. She noted that 54.22% of tourism workers in Indonesia are women, reflecting a trend similar to global statistics. Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy of Indonesia, further underscored that women are pivotal to the Indonesian tourism sector's growth. He committed to providing more empowerment opportunities for women, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that women are central to future development plans.

The conference underscored a collective commitment towards advancing gender equality within the tourism industry across Asia-Pacific. By fostering an environment that supports women's empowerment through targeted programmes like ‘Centre Stage’, stakeholders aim to ensure that women not only participate in but lead sustainable development efforts within tourism.