In a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in the Maldives tourism industry, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has joined hands with Hotel Jen Male’ to announce the inaugural Maldives Travel Conference 2024 – Women’s Edition. Scheduled for August 19, this pioneering event will be hosted at Hotel Jen Male’ and is exclusively dedicated to celebrating and addressing the roles of women in tourism.

The announcement of the conference, dubbed a landmark initiative, was made public on Thursday. Designed to spotlight the pivotal issues affecting women within the tourism sector, particularly those in leadership positions, this year’s conference aims to foster dialogue on gender equality and confront challenges that women face in advancing their careers in tourism.

Two key panel discussions, featuring exclusively women speakers, will headline the event:

1. Women in Management – Addressing the Gender Disparity: This panel will delve into the barriers and opportunities for women in leadership roles within the tourism industry, aiming to inspire and empower future female leaders.
2. Women in Tourism – Combating Societal Stigma: Focusing on societal perceptions and challenges that women encounter in tourism roles, this discussion seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.

According to MATATO, the conference intends to raise awareness about the unique obstacles that women navigate in the tourism sector. By fostering an open exchange of ideas and insights, the event hopes to lay the groundwork for a more supportive and equitable environment within the industry.

“In hosting this conference, MATATO and Hotel Jen Male’ are committed to creating a platform where women’s voices and experiences in tourism are heard and valued,” stated the association in their official announcement. They further emphasized that through collaborative efforts and shared insights, the conference aims to catalyze positive change and enhance opportunities for women in tourism.

The Maldives Travel Conference 2024 – Women’s Edition signifies a significant step towards inclusivity and empowerment within the Maldives tourism landscape, promising to set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the industry.