With a firm commitment to equity and inclusion that is reflected with a representation of 54% of the global workforce by women and 47% of women in executive positions, the hotel chain highlighted the role that women play during the panel “ Tourism and Women in Latin America.
The meeting took place last Thursday, March 14, and included the participation of Louise Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Marriott International for the Caribbean and Latin America; Xiomara Rodríguez, Communications Director of Discover Puerto Rico; Diana Olivares, General Director of LATAM Airlines for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean; Marcela Steffens, General Manager of Marriott Barranquilla Hotel; and was moderated by María Molina, NTN24 correspondent in Washington.
During this meeting, representatives of Marriott International and the region's tourism industry agreed that women have demonstrated an exceptional capacity to innovate, lead and transform the experience of the traveler and all the people who participate in the tourism value chain.
“There is magic in the relationships we have between women, we have to help each other foster talent and show that there is a career to follow; an opportunity to combine personal life with work life and continue increasing the percentage of women in leadership positions. We need different points of view, experiences and levels of empathy, because the mix of that talent is what is going to deliver the best results that will contribute to society, families, and companies,” said Louise Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Marriott. International for the Caribbean and Latin America.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight the growing number of women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. More and more women are establishing their own tourism-related businesses, including accommodation, restaurants, tours and activities. This phenomenon not only contributes to the economic empowerment of women, but also enriches the diversity and offer within the tourism industry, promoting greater inclusion and economic development in the region.
“We are breaking down barriers, climbing to very high positions of leadership in which we are influencing, not only those around us, but we are also inspiring the next generation who will be able to come with a mentality in which they will not to think about gender when choosing a career,” said Xiomara Rodríguez, Communications Director of Discover Puerto Rico.
According to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the tourism industry is characterized by having a workforce where women represent 54%, exceeding the global average in other sectors. Additionally, there is a smaller gender pay gap and a higher percentage of women in management roles compared to other industries. Despite these advances, the tourism industry still faces significant challenges in terms of gender equality.
In that sense, Diana Olivares, General Director of LATAM Airlines for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, mentioned that according to the World Economic Forum there are still 131 years left to achieve economic equality between women and men. “It is crucial to raise the voice through these panels, and teach the new generations that there is no specific gender to play any role, especially in leadership positions. In the aviation industry, the search for female leaders continues, as we currently only represent 6% globally. There is still a long way to go, so we will continue to raise our voices,” she added.
In her speech, Marcela Steffens, General Manager of Marriott Barranquilla Hotel, assured that support networks are a great tool to overcome challenges in the industry, which is why she called on women to support their colleagues in their professional growth. . “We have to find the strength in ourselves. There is increasing sisterhood and I think we feel proud when we see a woman grow professionally, because it is step by step going hand in hand and giving the space to offer our recognition, she added.
Through year-round initiatives, Marriott International renews its commitment to promoting the active participation of women in regional tourism. With a notable presence that encompasses nearly 500 properties distributed across 25 different brands, in more than 37 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean, the company recognizes the importance of promoting gender equality at all levels of the industry. Marriott is focused on creating an inclusive environment that fosters female growth and leadership in the travel industry. Additionally, the travel platform, Marriott Bonvoy, not only offers exceptional experiences to members, but also serves as a means to connect them with destinations that spark their deepest interest.
Fuente: Marriott International.