USAID/BiH Mission Director Courtney Chubb officially opened the conference “Women in Tourism: Let’s break down barriers, shape the future”
“This conference, the first of its kind, challenges the tourism industry to break stereotypes and create an environment where women can truly thrive. By partnering with USAID Tourism in the implementation of the UN Women initiative ‘Principles of Women’s Empowerment’ in Bosnia and Herzegovina. tourism sector, we are committed to supporting women in realizing their full potential. Empowering women in tourism not only promotes gender equality, but also drives economic growth through the development of a dynamic, diverse and skilled workforce. This initiative encourages innovation, fosters entrepreneurship and promotes sustainable development at the local and national level,” said Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the first discussion, the panelists talked about inclusivity and equality in tourism, emphasizing the importance of overcoming gender barriers in the tourism sector and promoting diversity in this branch of the economy.
“The goal of all organizations that work to promote and attract and empower women to get involved in economic processes is precisely to try to first empower women to become independent, to undertake certain activities in the economy and, on the other hand, to enable the economy to have new sources and workforce, new sources of knowledge, new sources of information in terms of management and activities. In this way, women can contribute to the development of the economy itself. “Especially in tourism, there is a marked lack of labor force, that is, there is a huge need for skilled and educated labor force,” said Dragana Kokot, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska.
The second panel discussion focused on encouraging women’s entrepreneurship, obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in business, ways to overcome them, and the types of support available to women who want to start their own tourism businesses.
“It is a great pleasure and a great honor for me that the Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo hotel is recognized as a positive example of women’s empowerment and representation of women within the company itself and management structures. I am glad that we are recognized as a positive example and regardless of our positive practice and the culture of empowering women that we have built, which we all sincerely live, we will not give up spreading that energy outwards and that is why we are really happy to be a part of this conference,” she added. is Edina Zagora, general manager, Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo
As part of the conference, a fair was held that promoted creative handicrafts and products of entrepreneurs from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source: turizambih.ba
