Empowering Women in Tourism: The Almaty Call to Action and Its Global Impact

From Local Guides to a Global Movement: Women in Tourism

The face of tourism is experiencing a profound transformation, marked by a growing recognition of the crucial role women play within the industry. Recent initiatives, such as the “Almaty Call to Action,” have emerged from the First Regional Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Europe, highlighting the urgent need for gender equality in this vital economic sector. This landmark outcome, launched under the auspices of UN Tourism, aims to create a roadmap for equality across six key areas: employment, entrepreneurship, leadership, policy, education, and community engagement.

A Worldwide Commitment to Women's Empowerment

As UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized, the tourism sector is not only an important source of employment for women but also an arena where inequalities are painfully evident. The Almaty Call to Action serves as a critical call for real change, urging stakeholders across the global tourism landscape to commit to gender equity in practice. This initiative is not merely aspirational; it is rooted in the acknowledgment of existing disparities and aims to address these systemic barriers head-on.

Global Initiatives Supporting Local Change

Building on existing frameworks, UN Tourism has launched several impactful projects aimed at promoting gender equality through education and innovation. The Centre Stage project—developed in collaboration with UN Women—has already rolled out action plans in multiple regions, paving the way for women to advance in the tourism workforce. By offering a variety of resources such as a free online gender equality course and a Women in Tech Startup Competition, UN Tourism is equipping women across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to reshape the narrative around tourism.

Community-Based Tourism: A Catalyst for Change

Echoing the sentiments of UN initiatives, community-based tourism emerges as a powerful model fostering local empowerment. Such initiatives allow women not only to participate but to lead in the tourism sector, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. As showcased by the Nyamirambo Women's Center in Rwanda, community-based tourism initiatives promote both economic self-sufficiency and cultural preservation. The center has successfully empowered over 5,000 women since its inception, reiterating the importance of local knowledge in crafting authentic tourist experiences.

Realignments in Investment Strategies for Women's Leadership

Investment in women-led tourism initiatives has been shown to drive sustainability efforts across regions. As highlighted in UN Tourism's recent engagements, women must take center stage in discussions surrounding sustainable development. Programs aimed at fostering financial investment, equal opportunities, and training are pivotal in achieving gender equality not just in theory, but also in actuality.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

However, challenges loom large. While the discourse around women's empowerment in tourism has gained traction, significant gaps remain, particularly in financial investment and access to education, as noted throughout various reports. The tourism industry must confront its internal biases and structural issues to realize its potential as a champion for gender equity.

Moving Towards Sustainable Development Goals

With the credibility of tourism on the line, stakeholders must act decisively to ensure that the advances made thus far translate into lasting change. Enshrined within Sustainable Development Goal 5, the movement for gender equality must be at the forefront of tourism’s future trajectory. Whether governments, private sectors, or local communities, all must recognize and mobilize around these transformative initiatives.

Act Now to Foster an Inclusive Future

The stakes are high, and the path to equality demands collaborative efforts from all corners of the industry. Achieving gender equity in tourism is not just a moral imperative; it is a practical necessity that will secure the sector’s growth and sustainability. We must champion these initiatives and support the women leading efforts to reshape the landscape of tourism.

As we stand on the brink of critical shifts in our understanding of sustainable tourism and women’s empowerment, it's time for concerned stakeholders to not only pledge support but also engage in transformative actions that will ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone involved.