In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, sustainability has emerged as a crucial driver of progress and responsible development. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the need to steer the hospitality sector towards eco-friendly practices has become more evident than ever before. Embracing sustainability not only preserves our planet's resources but also enhances guest experiences and fosters a deeper connection with communities. In this pursuit of a greener and more socially responsible future, the significance of women leaders cannot be underestimated. Women bring a unique perspective and innate nurturing qualities to the table, which are essential in driving the course towards sustainability. Their visionary leadership empowers businesses to adopt ethical practices, champion inclusivity, and create a positive impact on both local communities and the global environment. As we continue to embark on this transformative journey, let us celebrate and support more women leaders like Jessie Lim, who are dedicated to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the hospitality industry. 

 With over 18 years of experience in the tourism industry, both locally and overseas, Jessie's journey began in events management with Suntec before she spread her wings and worked in France for Liberty Incentives. Her career took her to the Singapore Tourism Board, where she played a pivotal role in supporting foreign MICE companies in setting up offices in Singapore. Jessie then delved into the hospitality industry, holding managerial positions in Catering Sales and Events Management for prestigious hotel groups like Accor, Park Hotel Group, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. One of her proudest accomplishments was the successful pre-opening and re-branding of the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.

Throughout her career, Jessie's passion for sustainability led her to pursue a course in Sustainability and Sustainable Businesses at Singapore Management University. This dedication ultimately led her to create the role of Director of Sustainability within the operations team of Fairmont Hotels Singapore. Get ready to be inspired by her dedication to sustainability and her vision for a more inclusive and eco-conscious future in the world of tourism.

In today's episode, we'll delve into :

1) Jessie's remarkable journey from events management to becoming the driving force behind sustainable initiatives at The Fairmont.
2) We'll learn about the key sustainability projects that have been implemented at the hotel and the impact they've had on the environment and the community.
3) We'll also gain insights into how Jessie engages both guests and staff to participate actively in The Fairmont's sustainability efforts.
4) We'll discuss the evolving role of women in leadership positions within the sector and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

 

Jessie's contact details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiebureau/

This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert, Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life: http://theflapperlife.com 

In this episode, I am honored to introduce our distinguished guest, the remarkable Joyatri Ray. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyatriray

As the Director of Equitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS), a prominent research, campaign, and advocacy organization based in India, Joyatri has dedicated her life to creating meaningful change in the tourism sector. With an illustrious career spanning an impressive 25 years, she has garnered invaluable insights into the intricate ways in which tourism profoundly influences the lives of local communities.

At the heart of Joyatri's mission lies a passionate commitment to fostering people-centered forms of tourism that ensure substantial local benefits while responsibly addressing the negative impacts of the industry. Her work is characterized by close collaborations with various organizations and networks, all in pursuit of a shared vision - a tourism landscape that empowers communities, respects their rights, and promotes equitable growth.

One of Joyatri's key areas of expertise centers around gender and child protection issues within travel and tourism. Throughout her career, she has been a relentless advocate for implementing POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) and child-safe practices, both within the private sector and the broader tourism industry. Furthermore, Joyatri Ray's remarkable achievements have been acknowledged and celebrated by the prestigious International Visitors Leadership Programme of the US State Department, cementing her status as a distinguished alumni member.

Today, we have the privilege of delving deep into Joyatri's wealth of knowledge and experiences, exploring the challenges she has faced, the victories she has achieved, and the insights she has gained throughout her transformative journey.

As we sit down with Joyatri Ray, we will uncover the power of tourism as a tool for positive change, how gender perspectives can shape tourism practices, and the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society during travel and tourism experiences.

In this episode, we discuss:

1) Joyatri's perspectives on the relationship between tourism and local communities, particularly with regard to gender and child protection
2) The Invisible Host and the Invisible Guest: Why women are invisible and victimized in tourism, and how women can be made equal participants in tourism 
3) Equitable Tourism Options initiatives in driving and promoting people-centered forms of tourism.
 4) Joyatri's work in integrating POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) and child protection mechanisms within the tourism sector
5) Global best practices in enhancing sustainability and community engagement in the tourism industry in the Indian tourism industry
 

This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert, Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life: http://theflapperlife.com 

Credit and appreciation to Jiiivan for editing the podcast episode.

Welcome to "Women We Watch in Tourism," Episode 2. In today's episode, we have the privilege of conversing with a remarkable pioneer in the field of wellness travel and human-centric marketing in tourism, Sahara Rose.

With a passion for reshaping travel marketing strategies, Sahara advocates for a more human-centric approach that taps into the underlying reasons why people travel. Gone are the days of simply selling destinations and hotel features. Sahara believes in addressing the deeper motivations behind travel, such as healing, coping, escapism, personal growth, cultural exploration, and reconnecting with nature. By infusing these aspects into marketing efforts, Sahara helps individuals and companies create meaningful connections, foster a sense of authenticity and resonance.

In addition to her impactful work as a Wellness Travel Coach, Sahara is also the Founder and CEO of The Travel Coach Network (TCN). This global community of travel coaches plays a crucial role in helping individuals set intentions for their trips and utilize travel as a powerful tool for therapy, healing, personal growth, and relationship building. Sahara is also deeply committed to promoting the sustainability of tourism by building communities and fostering meaningful connections. She understands that tourism can have a profound impact on local environments and cultures, and she actively works to ensure that travel experiences benefit both travelers and the destinations they visit.

In this episode, we dive into Sahara's journey, her insights on human-centric marketing in the tourism industry, and the transformative power of travel coaching. Join us as we uncover the stories, wisdom, and inspiration of one of the remarkable women we watch in tourism, the incredible Sahara Rose.

Sahara's Contact details:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahara-rose-de-vore-4b8bb394/

In this episode, we discuss:

1. The concept of travel coaching and how it breaks barriers in the travel industry by adding an emotional and personal approach to how travel is planned and used

2. How travel coaches help clients set intentions for their trips and facilitate the fulfillment of personal needs and goals 

3. The Travel Coach Network offers the world's first and only ICF-accredited certification program for travel coaches. What is the value of creating a certification program and the value it brings to travel experiences?

4. Sahara's experiences and perspectives on the importance of conscious and responsible travel and how travel helps to build communities.

5. Sahara's challenges, insights, and lessons learned as an entrepreneur and influential women leader. 



This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life: http://theflapperlife.com 

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "Women We Watch in Tourism." In today's episode, we have the privilege of featuring Vandana Vijay, an exceptional woman leader who is revolutionizing the travel industry through her commitment to sustainability and community development.

As we all know, tourism plays a significant role in shaping economies and cultural exchanges around the world. However, the growth of this industry has also brought forth environmental and social challenges that need to be addressed. Vandana Vijay, the Founder and CEO of Offbeat Tracks, recognizes the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to tourism and the responsibility of leaders in driving positive change.

Vandana's journey has been defined by her deep passion for sustainable tourism and her unwavering dedication to rural communities, particularly those nestled in the Himalayan mountains. She firmly believes that travel should not only offer unique and immersive experiences but also have a positive impact on the environment and empower local communities.

Through Offbeat Tracks, Vandana has curated over 1000 tours across multiple countries, aligning her company's travel goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With a focus on affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and responsible consumption and production, Vandana's vision extends beyond mere travel experiences. It encompasses a holistic approach that preserves the environment while fostering the growth and development of rural communities.

In this episode, Vandana will share her remarkable journey as a woman leader in the travel industry, breaking through glass ceilings and challenging the norms. She will offer insights into the challenges she faced along the way and how she overcame them with courage and determination. Moreover, Vandana will provide valuable advice for aspiring women leaders in the tourism sector, encouraging them to embrace sustainability, seize opportunities, and make a lasting difference.

Join us as we delve into Vandana Vijay's transformative work, and discover how her fearless leadership is shaping the future of tourism, one sustainable journey at a time. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of leading sustainable initiatives and creating positive change in the tourism industry.

Vandana Vijay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandana-vijay-13639061/

In this episode, we discuss:

• Vandana's inspiration and work in developing rural and community-based tourism
• The importance of developing the rural and peripheral areas of a destination through tourism development
• Some of the biggest challenges in developing rural tourism and challenges faced by women in rural community development 
• The Rise of conscious travelers and the Potential for rural tourism development
• Vandana's advice for women who aspire to lead and make a difference in the tourism sector, and how can they navigate the challenges they might encounter along the way 

This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life: http://theflapperlife.com 

Happiness is a common aspiration of humanity and that too the aim of human existence. In Bhutan, the last Shangri la, Gross National Happiness is the guiding principle of everything that is and promotes holistic and sustainable development. The monarchs of Bhutan, manifest compassionate leadership, embodying the Buddhist values of happiness, compassion, and wisdom, placing the well-being of the people and environment at the forefront.  The revered Dalai Lama said that “When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience”.

In this episode, we meet a very special human being, the lovely Chimi Zangmo from Bhutan. A leader who is driven by the guiding principles of compassion, wisdom, and authenticity in managing her professional and personal life. Chimi is the CEO and founder of DORJI Elements- a boutique hotel in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu and along with her husband initiated, Drukpro Bhutan, a social enterprise promoting the expressions of creative people through functional & aesthetically designed products. She had previously worked with the Department of Revenue and Customs, the Ministry of Finance, and also with Druk Holding & Investments – the sovereign national wealth creation entity of the country. She currently volunteers as the Executive Director of VAST Bhutan a 23 years old Civil Society Organization that provides artists and youth opportunities to develop artistic talents. Naturally, in her free time, she loves painting and trekking with Trekkers 360°.

Chimi Zangmo can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/chimizangmo and  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chimi-zangmo-908758210/

In this episode, we discuss:
 1. The guiding tenets of the Gross National Happiness approach and have these influenced the type of leadership she adopts
2. Compassionate leadership and why we need more compassion, wisdom, and authenticity in the world we live in now.
3.  The feminine energy in leaders and why this is important in supporting others, especially during difficult periods?
4.  Chimi's involvement in VAST Bhutan and in supporting the empowerment of youth and women.
5. The main challenges facing women-owned businesses in Bhutan and what can women do to scale their businesses. 

This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life: http://theflapperlife.com 

Minda Harts, author of the book “The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table” mentioned that biases and microaggressions against women of color happen all the time in the workplace and often we are in isolation where we don’t have anybody to stand up for you. Harts also mentioned that “It’s not just about having that seat [at the table], it’s about owning it and making sure your voice is heard,”. In this episode, we speak to a passionate and importantly compassionate women leader, who strategically owns the space in the MICE industry, ensures her voice is heard and has earned the respect of many in the process. She has successfully steered the meeting and convention industry to a leading destination, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis that created a high level of uncertainty concerning the future development of the industry. 

 Mala Dorasamy who comes from South Africa is the current Chief Executive Officer of MITEC. She is responsible for strategically leading the Centre’s marketing, partnerships, operational transformation, and brand & business development. 

 Mala has a proven track record with over 31 years of experience in the Business Events industry specializing in the opening of new Centres, project management of major high-level events, operational management, international marketing, business development, sales growth & turnaround strategies, event & exhibition management, safety and risk management, ISO/Halal implementation and management. As the previous Director of Marketing, Sales & Events at the Durban International Convention Centre, she played a significant role in building the global reputation, brand, and profitability of the Durban ICC. 

 Mala was also nominated as the Top 40 Women in Mice in Africa for 2015 and awarded the South African Association of Conference Industry Fellowship Award. Let’s dive into my heartwarming conversation with the dynamic Mala Dorasamy. 

 Mala can be reached on her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mala-dorasamy-971b0b11/ 

In this episode, we discuss:

1.     Her foray into the MICE industry

2.     What’s NOT going to change in the industry in the post-COVID environment

3.     Her vision and advice for the MICE industry

4.     The importance of empathetic leadership in steering organizations toward a crisis-resilient world

5.     How to build a circle of influence on mentoring and developing ourselves as women leaders

6.     How to own the space at the table and make our voices heard

7.     A status quo about women/colored women that she rejects

This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life : http://theflapperlife.com   

Travel journalism is often described as being an insular and nepotistic enterprise. Though travel is so diverse, it is ironic that travel stories are usually dominated by a white, older person’s gaze.  

There is a lack of visibility of writers from the BIPOC community. Travel journalists of color have to work much harder to assert their expertise and credibility. There is a need for a more representative pool of travel writers sharing their impressions of the world and more effort should be placed  into the non-western world to drive travel narratives. Certainly, diverse perspectives will enrich our world view and amplify our humanity.

 In this episode, we speak with the gorgeous Sarah Khan, Sarah is an award-winning travel journalist who’s reported from six continents for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveller, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Bloomberg, Robb Report, and numerous other publications, and most recently was Editor in Chief of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East. Her work also appears in The Best American Travel Writing 2021 and New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Cities from Abu Dhabi to Zurich. She’s a connoisseur of global junk food, a hoarder of hotel pens, and a master at sleeping through long-haul flights; she’s lived in six countries on three continents and possesses 2.5 passports. She is also the co-founder of Travel Is Better in Color, that celebrates the varied voices in travel media and bringing the world to life with their unique perspectives

Sarah Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bysarahkhan/

Key points discussed in this episode:

1. Travel journalism is often described as an insular, nepotistic enterprise. Has this changed over the years? What were some of Sarah's challenges in breaking the barriers?
2. What motivated Sarah to start the initiative "Travel is Better in Color"? 
3. Why is it important to have the representation of the female gaze in travel writing, particularly, with the increase in female travel market?
4. Has the travel storytelling sphere evolved in unexpected ways since the start of COVID?
5. What are her  challenges as a Muslim women traveller and travel writer?


This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life : http://theflapperlife.com   

Most conversations about women in tourism are focused on women as consumers. We need to create the platforms to speak on deeper issues, about women working in the tourism and hospitality industry and the inequities they face. We need to create the opportunities to elevate voices to find solutions to eliminate injustice. In this podcast episode, we have Marinel M. de Jesus, Esq. a changemaker who boldly advocates for workforce equity and inclusion of women and indigenous communities in the trekking tourism industry worldwide.

 Marinel M. de Jesus, Esq.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marineldejesus/ 

Brown Gal Trekker: https://www.browngaltrekker.com/ 

Marinel M. de Jesus, Esq. is a former civil rights lawyer from Washington, DC who turned her passion for hiking into a full-time endeavor as a social entrepreneur, solutions-focused journalist, and speaker. She is the founder of the award-winning media platform, Brown Gal Trekker, and mountain trekking enterprise, Equity Global Treks, both of which aim to elevate the status and roles of women and indigenous communities in the outdoor and travel industries. Marinel is a full-time global mountain nomad and travels to mountain destinations regularly to explore tourism initiatives that are community-led and/or focus on female leadership in the tourism industry. In 2019, she founded the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective, which aims to advocate for the human rights of porters in Peru, Nepal, and Tanzania and Workforce Equity Tourism as a form of sustainable tourism through the use of storytelling and all forms of media. 

Key points covered in the episode: 

1.     What drove a highly successful career women with a lucrative career to be “married to the mountains?” and understanding her mantra “Make use of the power of permission” that guided her towards embracing a minimalist and simple life

2.     The stereotypes and challenges faced by a women and person of color in a traditionally white, male space

3.     The need to decolonise the tourism industry and giving the ownership and control of it back to the local community.

4.     Why and how we can create platforms to elevate women’s voices in the tourism industry. 

5.     Lessons that she has learned on her entrepreneurial journey across the world. 

This podcast is jointly presented by:
 Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life : http://theflapperlife.com   

The pandemic appears to have unleashed a tidal wave of entrepreneurial activity many parts of the world. It takes a lot of courage and resilience to brave the risks and turn obstacles into opportunities. In this episode, we invite the very vivacious and creative, Nisha Ramisetty, start-up entrepreneur to share her experiences. 

 Nisha Ramisetty, Cofounder, Naksha  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nramisetty/

 Nisha is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Naksha, an award-winning F&B startup based in Dubai and now launching London. Naksha won a place on the Spinneys Local Business Incubator in Dubai and launched in November 2020 at the peak of the pandemic. The concept – gourmet recipe kits that are inspired by off-the-beaten track food from travel destinations around the world - redefines how people eat and experience travel through food. It is now retailing across the UAE and scaling internationally. The concept is also part of the London School of Economics’ LSE Generate Accelerator programme.

 Before this, Nisha worked in media and with the UAE government and launched several initiatives across the MENA region in the technology and innovation sectors. She has also worked in the financial services sector. Nisha was raised in the US and India, and currently lives between London and Dubai and attributes her adventurous outlook on travel and food to this mixed upbringing. 

 Key  points covered in this episode: 

1.     As a first-time start-up entrepreneur, how she braved the risks prevalent during the COVID pandemic and used the crisis as a catalyst to launch her business

2.     The most important qualities a start-up entrepreneur needs during a crisis 

3.     Co-creating tourism experiences through partnering with the creative industry

4.     The importance of financial literacy for women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses

5.     How can women-owned businesses support women start-ups?

This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life : http://theflapperlife.com   

Special thanks to KR Jeevan, https://www.jiiivan.sg/   for editing the podcast episodes. 

Conscious leadership is critical when navigating tough times and challenges in the leadership journey. A high level of self-awareness, level headedness, being intentional and compassionate are important traits to transform organisations and communities. In today’s episode, I will speaking with one of the "TOP 50 Global Inspirational Woman to look out for 2022", one who wins the hearts of many through her conscious leadership. 

 Sumaira Isaacs: CEO of World Tourism Forum Institute
Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumaira-isaacs 

As a destination expert and influencer, with over 25 years’ experience, Sumaira brings immense international knowledge and ‘art of international insights and best practices’ on how to establish and grow a destination, within the tourism industry. She has been fortunate to have worked along with several Tourist Boards, Associations and Local Governments in Africa, Middle East, India and north America.  

Her expertise and body of work over the years, comprises of tourism and destination strategy development and action planning - supporting some of the most prolific “winning tourism destinations” such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Canada, USA and most recently South Africa and Pakistan, to name just a few. 

Currently, Sumaira serves as CEO of World Tourism Forum Institute is the international institute, based in London, UK. As a tourism Think Tank, the orgnisation’s focus is on ‘Reshaping Economies Through Tourism’. Sumaira was recently recognised as "TOP 50 Global Inspirational Woman to look out for 2022" by the Titanium magazine.  

 Key points covered in the episode: 

1.     The business model of WTFI, the transformation and the challenges faced by the leaders of the organisation during the pandemic 

2.     Harnessing block chain technology, crypto currency and digital transformation in travel and tourism. Is the industry lagging behind and what needs to be done? 

3.     The most important takeaways from her interviews with futurists on the #RecoveryisSoon Townhall series 

4.     Advice to women aspiring to break barriers and boundaries to become more visible in certain countries where the culture does not support strong traits in women. 

5.     Challenges & discriminations faced by a female leader of South Asian origin. 

6.     Perspectives and attitude that Sumaira carries with her as a women changemaker.



This podcast is jointly presented by:
Dr. Nisha https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatourismexpert , Co-founder of World Women Tourism https://www.worldwomentourism.com/
Zinal Doshi, https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinal-doshi   Founder of The Flapper Life : http://theflapperlife.com   

Special thanks to KR Jeevan, https://www.jiiivan.sg/   for editing the podcast episodes.