Tourism Breaking News
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) concluded its highly anticipated webinar on 27 August 2024, titled “Safe Journeys: Enhancing Women’s Safety in Tourism.” Organised by the ATOAI Women’s Collective and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of safer travel for women.
The event saw a robust attendance from various segments of the travel trade, including tour operators, travel agents, and hospitality professionals. Representatives from state tourism departments, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, also participated, underscoring the significance of the event.
Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in her opening remarks, emphasised the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women, both as travellers and professionals within the tourism industry. She highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to addressing safety concerns and promoting gender equality across all levels of the sector.
The distinguished panel of experts, Hannah Pearson, Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Dilshad Master Kumar, Director Bull’s Adventures & Outward-Bound India Himalaya, Outdoors Leader, TEDx Speaker and Mohit Aggarwal, CEO, Asian Adventures shared profound insights and forward-thinking strategies on safeguarding women in the tourism sector. The discussion left participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in enhancing women’s safety within this industry.
The key takeaways from the session included several critical areas essential for advancing women’s safety in tourism:
First, the importance of adhering to internationally recognised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was emphasised. These guidelines help ensure consistent and reliable safety practices across different regions and sectors, creating a unified approach that travellers and service providers can trust.
Second, the role of gender sensitisation was explored. By understanding and addressing gender-specific needs and risks, the tourism sector can improve the safety and experience of women travellers while fostering a more inclusive environment. Gender sensitisation helps tourism professionals effectively respond to the unique challenges women face. The discussion also highlighted the need for effective safety protocols and guidelines at destinations. Establishing clear procedures for emergencies, ensuring secure accommodations, and
providing comprehensive safety information are crucial for enhancing women travellers’ safety. These protocols must be regularly updated and communicated to both travellers and tourism staff.
Finally, the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into safety practices was underscored. Considering how gender affects travel experiences and risks allows for the development of tailored and effective safety measures, promoting equity and ensuring that all travellers feel protected and valued.
As we move forward, let us carry these insights with us and strive to implement them in our respective roles. Whether you are a policymaker, tourism professional, or traveller, your commitment to these principles is essential in making travel safer and more inclusive for everyone.
The ATOAI Women’s Collective, in strategic partnership with industry leaders, is committed to advancing this crucial dialogue through future initiatives, workshops, and forums. The valuable insights shared during the webinar will serve as a foundation for developing comprehensive guidelines and best practices to ensure that women’s safety remains a top priority in the tourism industry.
The ATOAI extended its deepest gratitude to all participants, esteemed panellists, and supporters for contributing to the overwhelming success of this webinar. Together, ATOAI aims to forge a new era of safer, more inclusive travel experiences for women worldwide.
