In its 7th edition, the World Travel Market – WTM Latin America, the main event in travel and tourism in Latin America, happened at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo from April 2nd to April 4th hosting 600 exhibitors from 50 nationalities. It was three days focused on business, networking and a lot of content.
WTM Latin America Opening
At the opening, the Minister of Tourism, Marcelo Álvaro Antônio highlighted the impact of the tourism industry regarding the generation of jobs and income and economic development in Brazil. Several other representatives participated in this event.
Later, the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Sao Paulo, Vinicius Lummertz, announced a new brand for the State. “We are the sixth-largest urban areas on the planet, located very close to the Atlantic Rainforest – rich biodiversity with natural parks, mountains, and water, as well as gastronomic delights from coffees to wines. The brand goes beyond the logo, it is a new concept designed for the campaigns” he said.
Women In Travel – Panel Debate
One of the hotspots was the Women in Travel debating panel. Alessandra Alonso, founder of the Women in Travel program, started saying that “our workforce in the sector is over 60% female. Just here, we can see their importance – it is an industry carried out in its majority by women. She truly believes that women need to occupy management and C-level positions.”
In order to inspire the audience, the organization of the event brought four incredible female professionals to discuss what it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur in the travel and tourism market. They shared their own experiences and talked about opportunities.
Flávia Matos, AirBnB Manager of Public Policies, talked about courage. First, she invited the audience to imagine what the worst scenario would be when women decide to position themselves, questioning and breaking the rules they disagree with. After, Flávia shared some advice about savings and how it is important to be financially free.
Ana Clévia Guerreiro, a Sebrae representative, discussed the idea of always be seeking for opportunities. She gave a heads up for investments in technology, sustainability, and focus on experiences. Ana also emphasized that genius does not come from where you are born, their come from formal education, instead.
Talking about education, another conference participant was Mariana Aldrigui, professor and researcher at the University of Sao Paulo (USP), who mentioned about the power of the women in business, especially in the hospitality and the shortage of female references in academic papers.
Last but not least, Marianne Costa, founder of Vivejar reaffirmed the importance of education and told us how grateful she feels to had the opportunity to study in a public university and having both parents supporting her decisions. Unfortunately, this reality still is a privilege in some parts of the world. Acknowledging that, she decided to start her business based on the idea of giving some back to her community. Nowadays, at Marianne´s travel agency 70% of the suppliers are women. She strongly believes in the feminine values and in responsible tourism as an agent for social development.
“Strong women in tourism mean a strong industry.” Alessandra Alonso.
Mentoring Session and Networking
For the first time, a group mentorship session was offered. The participants had 60 minutes to discuss the pre-agreed topic as Entrepreneurship, Female leadership, Work and Career, Personal and Professional Development.
After the session, participants continued developing the conversations, and making some networking, building an amazing international community of women over a drink.
Female owned businesses are growing twice as fast as all other businesses.
According to recent statistics, female-owned businesses are growing twice as fast as all other businesses. Standing ovation for that to all women involved: speakers, participants, and to those who were not there but keep working on a daily bases to bring more efficiency and beauty to new products and services.
It was my very pleasure to share the same room with those strong and successful gals. Having this experience not only inspired me, but also made me realize the way women do business is way more inclusive, empathetic, and why do not say sustainable, right?
It is important to say that we are not in a war against men. We are only aiming for the same opportunities and resources to make our dreams come true.
As far as I can see, those women are going far and beyond. And do you know what? They are not going there alone. They are bringing their sisterhood, their community, their nation along with them, taking actions, sharing experiences, knowledge, exchanging ideas, and building a better reality for everyone.
Did you like this post? If so, please share with your dear colleagues and friends and leave a comment below saying what you think about the role of women in travel or any other industry of yours.