UN Tourism Conference in Almaty Drives Transformative Women’s Leadership, Innovative Entrepreneurship, and Cutting-Edge Digital Skills in Europe’s Tourism Sector

The global tourism industry is undergoing a fundamental shift as gender equality and women’s empowerment move to the forefront of sector development. This priority took center stage at the First UN Tourism Regional Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Europe, held on 22–23 October 2025 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The high-level gathering marked a milestone for gender inclusion, drawing participation from policymakers, business leaders, academics, tourism entrepreneurs, and representatives of international organizations.

This landmark two-day forum served as a collaborative platform to assess the current state of women’s participation in tourism, identify structural inequalities, and explore practical strategies to accelerate progress across Europe’s tourism economies. Discussions focused not only on policy frameworks but also on tangible actions that can reshape economic opportunities for women at local, national, and regional levels.

Driving Change Through Inclusive Policies

The conference highlighted the critical role of women in tourism: globally, women represent over 54% of the tourism workforce, yet their presence in decision-making roles and ownership positions remains disproportionately low. Delegates emphasized the need for proactive policies that promote equal access to leadership roles, financial resources, technology, and professional development.

Key themes included:

• Women’s Leadership in Tourism Governance
  Experts examined why women remain underrepresented in executive tourism management and government positions. Speakers urged national tourism boards to introduce gender-balanced leadership targets and mentorship programs to advance managerial diversity.
• Entrepreneurship and Access to Finance
  Many women in tourism continue to face barriers in scaling or formalizing businesses due to limited access to funding and training. Conference sessions explored investment models that prioritize women-led enterprises and encourage partnerships that foster economic independence.
• Digital Transformation for Equal Opportunity
  Technology was a major talking point, with participants recognizing digital skills as a gateway to equal opportunity. Women’s capacity-building in digital marketing, e-commerce, and travel technology platforms was identified as essential for competitiveness in modern tourism.
• Breaking Gender Stereotypes
  Persistent cultural norms continue to restrict women’s roles in many regions. Speakers called for educational initiatives and cross-border cooperation to dismantle harmful stereotypes that limit women’s potential in tourism careers.

Azerbaijan Joins the Conversation on Equality

The conference also featured active participation from regional countries, including Azerbaijan, represented by Sadagat Davudova, Deputy Chairman of the Reserves Management Center under the State Tourism Agency. Speaking at a session titled “Gender Equality in Tourism Governance”, Davudova discussed Azerbaijan’s initiatives to elevate women in heritage preservation, community-based tourism, and site management.

She noted that Azerbaijan’s tourism strategy is aligned with Goal 5: Gender Equality of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating equality principles into national tourism development programs, the country aims to create inclusive pathways for women across rural and urban areas alike.

A Collective Push Toward Inclusive Growth

Throughout the conference, roundtables and workshops promoted dialogue between public and private stakeholders. Participants exchanged success stories from local tourism projects led by women, explored financing opportunities for inclusive tourism entrepreneurship, and identified gaps that still hinder equal participation—particularly in rural areas, where traditional roles and financial inequities are more entrenched.

Delegates also stressed the importance of partnerships in driving transformative impact. Collaboration between international organizations, tourism ministries, NGOs, and educational institutions was highlighted as key to building gender-responsive tourism policies.

Looking Ahead

The Almaty conference concluded with a renewed commitment to building a tourism industry where women are not only participants but also decision-makers, innovators, and economic leaders. The outcomes of the event reinforced the role of tourism as a powerful engine for social progress, economic inclusion, and sustainable community development.

By promoting equity, skills development, and equal access to opportunity, Europe’s tourism sector now has a framework to support women as catalysts for sustainable growth—and a blueprint for other regions to follow.