Women Leading the Way in Asia-Pacific Tourism

In an inspiring convergence in Bali, Indonesia, the 2nd Regional Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Asia & the Pacific shone a spotlight on women-led tourism initiatives. This landmark event, co-hosted by UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, occurred recently, drawing over 500 participants from 25 countries.

The conference served as a vital platform for distinguished women from the region to showcase their successful projects, confront challenges, and craft strategies aimed at fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. This aligns with the global mission to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5, dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

One of the conference's standout announcements was the expansion of UN Tourism’s ‘Centre Stage’ programme to all its Asia and Pacific Member States. This initiative is designed to bolster gender equality through targeted support for governments and tourism enterprises, enhancing women’s empowerment and professional advancement.

Key recommendations that emerged from the event include backing women-owned businesses, adopting gender-responsive budgeting, and increasing training and leadership opportunities for women. These strategies are vital for continuing progress toward gender parity in the tourism sector.