Within the framework of International Women's Day, the Specialized Gender Unit of the Ministry of Tourism together with the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR), the Women's Association of Businesswomen and Tourism Executives (AFEET) worked together, with the aim to provide training to women belonging to the tourism sector.
March; month of “Women Leaders” in tourism.
The kickoff took place this Thursday, March 7, at the MINTUR headquarters, and was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Tabaré Viera, the General Director of the Secretariat of the Ministry of Tourism, Ignacio Curbelo, and the National Director of Tourism, Roque Baudean. , the Director of the National Women's Institute (INMUJERES), Mónica Bottero, the President of AFEET, María Ofelia Somma and the Prosecretary of CAMTUR, Flavia Lavecchia.
Minister Viera highlighted that during his administration “the work of our Gender Unit was gladly supported, because in tourism women are seen leading increasingly interesting projects,” highlighting the work of the tourism directorates of the municipalities. in team with public and private organizations. Regarding the activity that he started, he stated that “this type of courses must continue to be supported.
The axes of work are: developing a new tourist offer (more varied, more diverse, more decentralized) and the quality of the offer (which is what distinguishes Uruguay).”
On the other hand, Director Bottero pointed out “that during this period of government, the National Gender Council, which is chaired by INMUJERES, has determined to work on one of the strategic lines, which is to promote the economic autonomy of women, involving all state institutions and all economic strata of the country, where we all have women we have inequality.” She also celebrated the role of women in tourism and the leadership capacity they possess, “we are here to thank the support of the Ministry of Tourism, and this is an allied organization, we know that the area of tourism offers enormous opportunities for women to enter the labor market.”
This training will consist of eight meetings, in-person and virtual, that will address key topics for the professional and personal growth of the participants.
Topics considered:
Leading to Lead – By Lic. Luciana Andión
Personal Brand – Virtual event on March 13 at 5:00 p.m. by Claudia Calace.
Planning – Virtual event on March 21 at 5:00 p.m. by Yvvone Gómez (Colombia).
Gender Equality – Virtual event on April 4 at 5 p.m. by INMUJERES.
Marketing – Virtual event on April 11 at 5:00 p.m. by Lucía Amestoy and Cecilia Ursino.
Amigate with your Finances – Virtual event on April 18 at 5 p.m. by Cecilia Martinelli.
Marketing and Networks – Virtual event on April 25 at 5:00 p.m. by Raquel Oberlander.
Tourism & Hospitality – In-person event on May 2 at 5 p.m. by Teresa Russi.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Tourism recognized 14 Women belonging to the tourism sector (public-private) who are currently occupying decision-making positions in a committed and professional manner.
Delvair Amarilla, former regional manager of Neutral by Luryx Free Shop, highlights her ability in leadership and building work teams. Her experience is reflected in sales and tourist satisfaction. Since 2008, she has contributed to the development of the destination of Rocha through the CRT. As president of the CRT, she works on OGD governance to strengthen the destination and improve quality and service for operators. In addition, she has participated in the CAMTUR board. Her passion for teamwork and learning drives her to consider tourism as an essential engine for Uruguay to shine globally.
Marina Cantera is a tourism businesswoman with 20 years of experience, running her own rural tourism venture in a family home that is more than 150 years old. Specialized in rural tourism and sustainable development, she has worked as an advisor and consultant, and has led the Uruguayan Rural Tourism Society. Her work has included union diversification, training and digital transformation. As a consultant, she has advised tourism ventures throughout the country and has worked at the University of Montevideo as academic director of the Hospitality and Events Management Technique. She has been recognized as Woman of the Year in Hospitality and Tourism in 2019 and 2023, and has held leadership positions in the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism and the South American Tourism Federation.
Dolores García Pintos Arrillaga, Director of Tourism of the Departmental Municipality of Lavalleja since November 2020, leads the tourism management of the department with a focus on entrepreneurship, deseasonalization and professionalization. Her experience includes work in marketing, events and membership management at the Aberdeen Angus Breeders Society of Uruguay. In addition, she has been recognized as an “Outstanding Young Person” in the Tourism and Hospitality sector in 2023.
Jacqueline Hernández Ferreira, current Director of Tourism of the Departmental Municipality of Cerro Largo, has dedicated her life to tasks related to tourism, politics and sports. With experience in hospitality and a career as a departmental councilor, she has served as president of the Cerro Largo Departmental Board. In addition to her work in the Tourism Department, she also served as Director of Social Management. Her commitment to sports includes playing volleyball and presiding over the First Women's Soccer League of Cerro Largo between 2020 and 2023.
Elena Laguzzi, graduate in Social Communication Sciences, has forged an outstanding career in the field of tourism and cultural management. Her training includes a postgraduate degree in Cultural Management and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Social Communication. Over the years, she has participated in significant projects, such as the proposal for the musealization of the Mercedes Cemetery. Since 2020, she has served as Director of the Tourism Secretariat of the Municipality of Soriano, leading a team committed to promoting and positioning Soriano as an attractive tourist destination in the region. Her work includes interaction with public and private institutions, as well as the development of messages aimed at potential visitors.
Flavia Lavecchia is a businesswoman with almost 30 years of experience in the tourism sector, currently president of the Tourism Commission of the Salto Commercial and Industrial Center and managing member of the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism and AHRU. She has demonstrated a constant commitment to tourism development, especially in Salto, and has taken an active role in gender equality, being president of the Gender Commission of the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism and supporting diversity and inclusion through her company. Flavia constantly seeks innovation and training to contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector.
Carmen Passarella Castellini, Businesswoman, Teacher and Graduate in Psychology, currently holds the position of Director of Florida Tourism. Her dedication to rural tourism began in 1993, when she joined a group of women who were looking for economic alternatives for their rural establishments. She founded the Uruguayan Rural Tourism Society in 1995 and has played important roles in that organization. Carmen runs her own establishment in Florida and has promoted rural tourism nationally and internationally, exploring markets in countries such as Spain, Italy, the United States, Korea, China, Chile and Brazil. In addition, she has proposed the development of equestrian tourism in Uruguay. Her training includes gastronomy, marketing and business management. She has led projects for the ILO and worked on tourism development in small towns, especially focusing on the labor insertion of women. Since 2020, she has held her position as Director of Tourism, promoting the dissemination and professionalization of tourism in the department of Florida.
Macarena Pérez Moreno, 43 years old, is from San Juan with technical training in Hospitality and Tourism. She began her career at the age of 19 with her own bicycle rental business in Valle Fértil, San Juan, Argentina. Subsequently, she worked in the world of Hospitality, contributing to the opening of 2 hotels and reaching the position of Sales Manager. Currently, Macarena is Managing Partner of Dcom Travel, a receptive and outbound operator in Uruguay founded in 2010. During the pandemic, she founded Dcom Box, a company that initially focused on shortening distances with tangible products and that has evolved to become a benchmark in the business gift market. In addition, Macarena is President of the Uruguayan Association of Travel Agencies and Delegate of Actual for Uruguay. Her passion for tourism has remained since she was little.
Lucila Provvidente, psychologist and entrepreneur, born in Buenos Aires in 1976, has lived a life full of adventures and diversity. Her childhood in a small town in the interior of Buenos Aires was marked by artistic exploration, music and sports. After moving to a larger city in her teens, she continued her university training in Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires. Later, she worked as a tour operator and specialized in inbound tourism and managing exchange programs with North American students. Her experience in Mexico inspired her to settle in Colonia Valdense, Uruguay, where she founded “La Vigna Wine Art”, a space that fuses art and enjoyment of life.
Florencia Sader, from Punta del Este, is a member of one of the pioneer families of the resort and the first woman to hold the presidency of the Punta del Este Development and Tourism League in 83 years. She is co-director of Sader Inmobiliaria, a family business with centuries-old roots in the area. She has been recognized by the Maldonado Business Chamber as the Leading Company in its field. Her international experience, her training in Public Relations and Administration for the Arts, and her deep love for Punta del Este have led her to play diverse roles, from columnist to councilor of the Municipality of Punta del Este. Additionally, as a producer of the international short film competition 48-Hour Film Project, she actively contributes to the cultural and tourism development of the region.
María Shaw, current President of the Ibero-American Federation of Tourism Journalists (FIPETUR), has had an outstanding career in the tourism sector. As a tourism journalist, she has worked in various media outlets and has been a correspondent in several countries. Additionally, she has received numerous recognitions throughout her career, including the title of “Uruguay's most influential tourism journalist” by the OMPT. Currently, she also plays important roles in organizations such as ASICOTUR and the Gender Commission of CAMTUR and AFEET.
María Ofelia Somma, graduate in Public Relations and Congress Organization, has demonstrated exceptional dedication in the field of tourism and administration. With a solid background that includes master's degrees in Hotel Management and Tourism Administration, she has actively participated in numerous conferences and has shared her knowledge as a teacher in Argentina and Uruguay. Additionally, her union commitment is notable, with her being part of various tourism organizations and holding leadership positions. As president of the AFEET (Women's Association of Tourism Businesswomen and Executives), she continues to leave her mark on the world of tourism.
Analía Suárez, president of the Punta del Este Gastronomic Corporation, has played a crucial role in the region's tourism development. As partner and director of the Awa boutique + design Hotel, she contributed to positioning it as one of the best hotels in Punta del Este, standing out for its high-quality service and successful deseasonalization. In addition, her work at Editorial Punta for Sale has consolidated the magazine as a leader in the real estate sector. Her career also includes notable participation in the media, such as FM Milenium 106.3 Buenos Aires. Her passion for tourism and its excellence has made her an influential figure in the industry.
Sara Telechea Rosenblum is a businesswoman and mother of three daughters, director of RifVans, a transportation company in Vans and Minibuses. She is committed to women's empowerment, supporting women's entrepreneurial projects and adhering to the UN Women's Weps principles. Recently, she was selected as a Partner in Uruguay of My Chauffer Drive, a global platform that connects high-end transportation companies with passengers. In addition, she is a founding member of Van Asociación Nacional and is part of the Board of Directors of the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism and SKAL Internacional Montevideo, a global network of tourism professionals.