A new initiative, LeadHer, is set to transform female leadership in the travel industry.
- LeadHer is launched by Women in Travel CIC to address gender disparities.
- The programme is designed for training in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
- It includes leadership skills and influence expansion within the industry.
- The initiative has been piloted successfully and received positive feedback.
Aiming to address the persistent gender pay gap, Women in Travel CIC has introduced LeadHer, a bespoke leadership programme designed for women in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The programme seeks to advance women into leadership roles, tackling the disparities in senior positions and enabling firms to integrate it within their staff training and development strategies.
The programme comprises three core components: developing individual leadership skills, enhancing team and organisational leadership, and expanding influence across the wider industry. This structure aims to foster a comprehensive understanding and practical advancement in leadership for women, affirming their capabilities and potential in pivotal roles.
The initiative is steered by Alessandra Alonso, the managing director and founder of Women in Travel, alongside Lucy Ferguson, a renowned gender consultant to the UN, and founder of Fabulous Feminists. They have meticulously crafted LeadHer to ensure it meets specific business needs. Having been trialled with Intrepid Travel in Valencia, it includes interactive sessions, group mentoring, and company manifesto development tailored to drive female leadership.
Feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive. One participant, now the Intrepid general manager for Eastern Europe, described the training as “inspirational.” Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid’s managing director for EMEA, acknowledged Intrepid’s longstanding commitment to gender empowerment and highlighted the practical benefits of the programme, stating it provided a clear vision and specific training for women advancing their careers.
Alonso expressed her enthusiasm about bringing LeadHer to the market, emphasising the ongoing challenges concerning gender equity in business. She detailed the alarming trend in 2023 where the number of women in senior roles fell by ten per cent, alongside a fifteen per cent pay disparity within the industry. Stressing the potential of women with strong emotional intelligence and communication skills, she underscored the importance of such programmes in harnessing female potential.
Florencia Allo Moreno, Intrepid’s general manager for Western Europe, highlighted how the programme has fostered camaraderie among women in leadership at Intrepid. As a new mother, she valued the support network formed through LeadHer, validating the significant impact of such initiatives on personal and professional development.
LeadHer promises a transformative impact on female leadership within the travel sector, empowering women and bridging industry gaps.
