Asunción hosts the First Regional Conference on Women and Tourism

17-09-24

Asunción will be the venue for the first Regional Conference on Women’s Empowerment in Tourism, a key event that will bring together prominent figures from the tourism and gender fields in Latin America. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Paraguay and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the conference aims to promote the participation of women in the tourism industry, one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic, where women play an essential role.

Tourism is one of the sectors with the highest female participation globally. According to UNWTO data, more than 50% of the workforce in tourism is made up of women. However, despite this significant presence, women often face barriers in ascending to leadership positions and in accessing equal employment opportunities.

The conference will address these challenges through a series of panels and discussions focused on female empowerment, gender equality, and public policies that can facilitate women's inclusion in leadership roles within the tourism industry. 

Topics to be discussed include training, female entrepreneurship, and access to finance in tourism, as well as gender equality policies that governments and companies can implement to level the playing field.

International participation and strategic alliances

One of the main highlights of the conference will be the participation of international experts on tourism and gender, along with representatives from international organizations such as UN Women. Additionally, leaders from both the public and private tourism sectors from across the region are expected to attend. This event seeks not only to generate a space for dialogue but also to create strategic alliances between the sectors involved to drive tangible change in the region.

The conference is seen as a key platform to advance the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, which includes gender equality as one of its priority goals. Alliances between governments, tourism companies, and international organizations will be vital to achieving this objective in a sector where collaboration and joint efforts are essential for progress in equality and sustainability.

Pandemic impact and inclusive recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the tourism sector, particularly affecting women, who represent the majority of workers in areas such as accommodation and services, which were hardest hit by travel restrictions. Studies show that women were the most affected by job losses and income reduction, highlighting the importance of an inclusive recovery that considers the specific needs of this group.

In addition to discussing the challenges women face in tourism, the conference will also seek solutions for a recovery that is not only swift but fair and inclusive. In this regard, success stories from female entrepreneurs who have managed to transform their businesses despite the difficulties will be presented, demonstrating the resilience and innovative capacity that characterize many women in the sector.

Toward a more equitable tourism industry

Tourism is one of the industries with the greatest potential to contribute to sustainable development and gender equality. Through initiatives like this conference, the aim is to raise awareness of the existing gaps and, more importantly, propose concrete solutions to ensure that women have a more active and visible role in decision-making within the tourism sector.

This event marks just the beginning of a broader effort to ensure that women in tourism are not only seen as essential workers but also as leaders and change agents who can influence how tourism develops and benefits communities. Empowering women in this sector is not only a matter of social justice but also of economic development and sustainability.