About the Event

Global Women Conference on Gender Inclusive and Responsible Tourism

The scenic hill station of Munnar, Kerala, is set to host the Global Women Conference on Gender Inclusive and Responsible Tourism from November 30 to December 2, 2024. This international gathering will bring together leaders, experts, and organizations committed to fostering inclusivity in tourism, with a particular focus on empowering women in the sector. Organized by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, this landmark event aligns with the UN Women's vision for a gender-inclusive approach to tourism, reinforcing Kerala's pioneering role in promoting women-friendly tourism. This three-day conference will provide a platform to share Kerala's successful initiatives, explore innovative ideas, and advance global standards in gender inclusivity for the tourism industry.

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50+

Speakers

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150+

Delegates

Leadership

Leaders from Kerala will share Kerala's model of Responsible Tourism and its possibilities with the world

Sri Pinarayi Vijayan
Sri Pinarayi Vijayan

Chief Minister
Government of Kerala

Sri P A Mohamed Riyas
Sri P A Mohamed Riyas

Minister for Tourism
Government of Kerala

Sri. Biju K IAS
Sri Biju K IAS

Secretary, Tourism
Government of Kerala

Smt. Sikha Surendran IAS
Smt Sikha Surendran IAS

Director, Department of Tourism
Government of Kerala

Sri Rupeshkumar K
Sri Rupeshkumar K

Chief Executive Officer
Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society

Session Speakers

A galaxy of leaders from across the globe will share their ideas

Ms Susan Ferguson
Ms Susan Ferguson

UN Women India Representative

Dr Harold Goodwin
Dr Harold Goodwin

Founder - Responsible Tourism, ICRT India (Platform for change - Global Responsible Tourism Movement)

Ms Sarada Muraleedharan IAS
Ms Sarada Muraleedharan IAS

Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala

Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan
Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan

Assistant Professor, Cebu Normal University, Alumna, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, Alumna, Adenauer Young Leaders Program

Ms.Jayni Gudka
Ms.Jayni Gudka

CEO - Unseen Tours, Founder at Sama Sama International

Charmarie Maelge
Charmarie Maelge

Elisa Spampinato
Elisa Spampinato

Dr. Aunkrisa Sangchumnong
Dr. Aunkrisa Sangchumnong

Iaia Maria Rosaria Pedemonte
Iaia Maria Rosaria Pedemonte

HyoJeong Kim
HyoJeong Kim

Hyojeong Kim, CEO and Founder of NomadHer

Lenny Yusrini
Lenny Yusrini

Committee Member, International Centre for Responsible Tourism in Southeast Asia (ICRT-SEA); Associate Professor in Ecotourism, Universitas Asa Indonesia; Co-Director, Southeast Asia Research Academy (SEARA); Managing Editor, Asian Journal of Business Research

Ms. Catalina Pavel
Ms. Catalina Pavel

Travel Writer, CEO & Founder - Hai in India, Romania

Aayusha Prasain
Aayusha Prasain

Dr V Venu IAS
Dr V Venu IAS

Former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala

Mr Biju K IAS
Mr Biju K IAS

Secretary, Tourism, Government of Kerala

Mr Santhosh George Kulangara
Mr Santhosh George Kulangara

Member, Planning Board

Ms Mini Sukumar
Ms Mini Sukumar

Member, Planning Board

Ms Sikha Surendran IAS
Ms Sikha Surendran IAS

Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala

Amrit Singh IAS
Amrit Singh IAS

BA (Honor's) Economics from Miranda House, Delhi University, MA (Sociology) from Delhi School of Economics, MA (Economics) from IGNOU, New Delhi

Mr Vishnuraj P IAS
Mr Vishnuraj P IAS

Addl Director General, Tourism

Ms. Padma Angmo JKAS
Ms. Padma Angmo JKAS

Assistant Director TOURISM Leh, UT Ladakh

Ms Poulomi Pal
Ms Poulomi Pal

Program Specialist, UN Women India

Mr Rupeshkumar K
Mr Rupeshkumar K

CEO, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala

Dr K Manoj Kumar
Dr K Manoj Kumar

CMD KTIL

Ms T. K. Rajalakshmi
Ms T. K. Rajalakshmi

Senior Deputy Editor, Frontline

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

VP - Content and Partnerships, Mondee

Ms Manisha Pande
Ms Manisha Pande

Founding Managing Director of Mumbai-based Village Ways

Poonam Chand
Poonam Chand

Additional Director of the Department of Tourism, Uttarakhand

Neha Dara
Neha Dara

Ms Mridula Tangirala
Ms Mridula Tangirala

Mr Jose Dominic
Mr Jose Dominic

WTM RT Outstanding Achievement Award Winner

Mr Baby Mathew
Mr Baby Mathew

Mr M R Narayanan
Mr M R Narayanan

Mr Sejoe Jose
Mr Sejoe Jose

Dr. Peeja Rajan
Dr. Peeja Rajan

State Coordinator Kerala, UN Women India.

Mr Vinod V
Mr Vinod V

Mr Vimal Roy
Mr Vimal Roy

Mr Justin Jose
Mr Justin Jose

Ms Sreedevi Ratheesh
Ms Sreedevi Ratheesh

Ms Remya Sreejith
Ms Remya Sreejith

Secretary, Tourism Professionals Club

Remya S Anand
Remya S Anand

Travel Blogger

Shyni Rajkumar
Shyni Rajkumar

Renjini Thampi
Renjini Thampi

The Eco-Innovator

Gowri N
Gowri N

Social Media Influencer

Ms Priyadharshini Paramasivam
Ms Priyadharshini Paramasivam

Project Leader - Skilling & Training, SWT Academy

Ms Geethu Mohandas
Ms Geethu Mohandas

Women Entrepreneur

Ms Indu Krishna
Ms Indu Krishna

Ms Shalini Binu
Ms Shalini Binu

Ms Julie Joy
Ms Julie Joy

Liliya Thomas
Liliya Thomas

Ms Nidhiya Chandran
Ms Nidhiya Chandran

Jisha Vinod
Jisha Vinod

Mr E V Hariz
Mr E V Hariz

Event Schedule

The three-day Global Women Conference on Responsible and Gender-Inclusive Tourism serves as a global stage where speakers holding esteemed positions and practitioners of Responsible Tourism from around the globe come together to share innovative ideas on sustainability.

The Programme Chart will be updated soon.

Exchange of Ideas

Conference Highlights

Global Platform for Gender-Inclusive Tourism

The conference will serve as a premier global stage for discussions on responsible tourism, with a unique focus on enhancing women's participation in the tourism industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with international leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of inclusive tourism.

Showcasing Kerala's Women-Friendly Tourism Initiatives

Kerala's pioneering steps in creating safe, empowering, and inclusive tourism experiences for women will be in the spotlight. Attendees will learn about the state's diverse projects supporting women-led businesses, from homestays and restaurants to guided tours, which have set new benchmarks in the industry.

Collaborations with UN Women-India

Through a close partnership with UN Women-India, the conference highlights Kerala's commitment to safety and gender equality in tourism. Technical support from UN Women has included safety studies, gender audits, and workshops, fostering a safer travel environment for women.

Participants / Delegates

  • Distinguished women leaders in tourism entrepreneurs
  • Tour operators
  • Travel agents
  • Hoteliers
  • Homestay operators
  • Esteemed academicians and researchers specializing in women's empowerment and tourism

Focus on Experiential and Sustainable Tourism

Kerala's tourism initiatives prioritize immersive and sustainable travel experiences. The conference will showcase packages featuring stay options, artistic villages, and cultural streets, aligning with the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society's goals of promoting meaningful and responsible travel.

Networking Opportunities

Participants will have ample networking opportunities to connect with organizations, institutions, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing women-friendly tourism. This summit aims to create a global network committed to responsible, inclusive tourism practices.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Tourism

Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society has identified thousands of women-led projects, with 70% spearheaded by women entrepreneurs. The summit will emphasize strategies for supporting these initiatives and integrating them into a cohesive network of tour operators, drivers, homestay owners, and more.

Milestone Achievements in Safety and Gender Audits

Kerala has led the way as the first Indian state to conduct gender audits in tourism, with safety audits already completed at numerous destinations. Plans to expand this initiative will be shared, underscoring Kerala's commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces for women travelers.

Other Highlights of the Event

  • High-level panel discussions
  • Expert presentations
  • Structured B2B sessions
  • A formal networking dinner
  • Cultural events

Nature's Poem Among the Hills

Munnar

Munnar is a slice of paradise in the Western Ghats, with endless carpets of green tea gardens, mist-wrapped peaks, waterfalls cascading down rugged cliffs, and crisp mountain air. Its winding roads, serene lakes, and blankets of wildflowers create a landscape painted by nature itself. A haven for those seeking peace and beauty, Munnar enchants with its charm, misty mornings, and quiet, timeless allure.

Explore more

Exchange of Ideas

Women-Friendly
Tourism Project Highlights

Empowering Women through Tourism

Kerala's Women-Friendly Tourism Project aims to empower women and increase their active role in tourism. By fostering women-led businesses like homestays and exclusive travel packages, the initiative opens new economic opportunities and promotes female entrepreneurship across the state.

Kerala as India's First Fully Women-Friendly Tourism Destination

With a groundbreaking vision, Kerala is set to become India's first state to fully embrace women-friendly tourism. This project encourages women's participation in every corner of the tourism industry, creating safe, inclusive, and supportive experiences for women travelers.

All-Women Operated Tour Packages

A unique feature of this project is the introduction of all-women operated tour packages. From accommodations and food services to transportation and community guides, each package is run by women, offering a secure and welcoming travel experience for female tourists.

Partnership with UN Women India

Collaborating closely with UN Women India, the project prioritizes creating safe, hygienic, and reliable travel environments for women. An upcoming MoU with UN Women will reinforce Kerala's dedication to gender-inclusive tourism and ensure high standards for women's safety.

Training and Skill Development

To make this vision a reality, the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society is training women across Kerala to take on roles as tour coordinators, community guides, storytellers, drivers, and homestay operators. This initiative equips women with skills that open doors in every part of the tourism industry.

Monthly Progress Evaluations

Regular evaluations, led by the Tourism Minister, will keep the project on track. This ongoing assessment ensures improvements are made as needed, making Kerala a continuously evolving, safe destination for women travelers.

A Network of Women-Led Tourism Units

The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society is creating a network of women-led tourism units and centers throughout Kerala. This interconnected system supports sustainable tourism, boosts women's participation, and ensures tourism sites across the state cater to the unique needs of female travelers.

Reach Us

Event Direction & Info

The Grand Cliff Resort

Viripara, Kallar - Mankulam Rd,
Munnar, Kerala - India

Experiential Tour Packages

RT Experiences

The Experiential Tour packages put together by the Responsible Tourism mission is a door opened wide to the warmth of village life and traditional livelihoods of Kerala in a never-before travel experience.

Explore RT Experiences

Kerala, the land of wonders

Explore Kerala

Hill Stations
Waterfalls
Beaches
Cuisine
Artforms
Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society
globalwomenconference2024@keralatourism.org +91 471 2334749

Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
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