In a bit over a week the Women In Travel Awards will kick off for a fabulous night of celebration, recognition and partying!
Making this evening happen (alongside the incredible women in the travel industry) are the awards’ sponsors and signing on to champion the cause of gender equality is G Adventures.
Adelle Clements, the regional marketing manager for Oceania at G Adventures, is representing the global tour operator and highlighted the importance of recognising the contributions made by women in the travel industry and elevating their success via awards such as Women In Travel.
“Promoting diversity and inclusion is at the core of G Adventures and empowering women (inclusive of non-binary and trans-women) is an important part of that. I hope that our sponsorship sends a message of support to the women of our industry that we are committed to equality – and equity – and that there should be more reasons to celebrate women!” Clements said.
G Adventures does more than just talk the talk to show its support of women. The tour operator runs ‘Women’s CASA G’ – a women’s support group that offers a safe space for female staff members that are sponsored by members of G Adventures’ senior leadership team.
These foster an inclusive culture in the company where women can celebrate their achievements.
G Adventures also operates leadership camps where women in the company can become immersed in self-development and leadership courses with individual mentors. Another initiative, operated by Clements and her colleague Sophia Cogan, are women in leadership sessions.
“This is a monthly Q&A with women in leadership positions that have the opportunity to answer questions that people within the business may want to ask, as well as talking about their journey in leadership and the challenges of being a woman. Nothing is off the table in these conversations,” Clements said.
And as the skills of women in G Adventures are fostered, their respective achievements follow. Clements believes that individuals are the driving force behind successes of any business and by highlighting the achievements of these women, the Women In Travel Awards acknowledges their talent and dedication and help to raise their profiles.
“It also gives women the opportunity to stop and reflect on the work they have done in the past 12 months, often, and especially in the travel industry right now, we are moving at such a fast past, we don’t stop. Taking the time to make a submission is a way to recognise yourself for the great work you’ve done. I encourage more women to submit next year,” she said.
But despite strong efforts by G Adventures and a litany of companies in the travel industry towards achieving gender equality, there still remains disparities.
Clements said that women remain quite under-represented in leadership positions, despite being a female majority industry.
“I see a lot of women getting stuck in middle management roles with no clear progression plan or commitment from their businesses to assist them in elevating them to senior or C- suite level positions,” Clements said.
“Transparency on what businesses are doing to reach gender equality in senior management needs to be available, alongside transparency of current representation and progress. Developing women should be a part of every businesses KPIs.”
Clements has also called for gender pay equality, flexible working arrangements and wants to see more women getting the spotlight.
“I’d love to see more women speaking at travel industry events about issues that are important and relevant to us.”
And you’ll see more women speaking on 5 December at our incredible Women In Travel Awards.
Another big thank you to G Adventures for sponsoring our awards and thanks to the rest of our incredible sponsors.
