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IWTTF GULF: A Resounding Success
“Building a Gender-Inclusive, Economically Empowering Travel and Tourism Industry”
The inaugural IWTTF GULF in Dubai marked a historic moment for Women in Travel CIC, bringing together a vibrant community of travel and tourism professionals to champion inclusion, equity, and diversity in the industry.
The event was supported by global and regional partners—Google, Intrepid Travel, DiamondAir International, Jumeirah, Cozmo Travel, and One Perfect Stay—and followed by our participation in Skift’s Women’s Luncheon and Forum.
Through candid discussions, inspiring stories, and shared insights, we explored the challenges and opportunities for women in the region and celebrated the ambition, resilience, and determination of those driving change.
This was more than an event; it was a platform to spark meaningful dialogue, foster allyship, and ignite collaboration to create a more inclusive future. The energy, passion, and commitment shared in Dubai have laid a strong foundation for future growth and impact in the region.
Here’s to continuing the momentum and shaping a travel and tourism industry where everyone thrives!
Advisory Board
Agenda
The forum will present and debate important topics related to gender inclusion, talent development, and leadership. Highly interactive opportunities during breaks and after the event.
AGENDA
13:00 onwards Registration and Networking
14:00 Welcome by Anthony Nakache, Managing Director MENA, Google & Alessandra Alonso, Managing Director, Women in Travel CIC
14:15 – 14:45 Keynote Zainab Al-Eqabi, Content Creator and Motivational Speaker
14:45 – 15:00 Case study with Jenny Gray, Senior Product Manager, Intrepid
15:00 – 15:45 Panel Discussion
HOW CAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM BE A TRANSFORMATIONAL FORCE FOR GENDER EMPOWERMENT IN THE GULF REGION?
Job Creation, Entrepreneurship, the promotion of local artisans as well as leadership, role modelling and gender-responsive tourism can all be ways to facilitate the contribution of women to the industry. We will hear from women who are pioneers in the industry and companies actively enabling it in the region.
Speakers:
Jenny Gray, Senior Product Manager, Intrepid
Abeer Abu Shmeis, Managing Director, Originative Capital
Shurouq Lashkri, Content Producer & Creator
Amal AlBarout, Senior Sales Director, Miral
Moderator:
Sarah Kopit, Editor in Chief, Skift
15:45 – 16:00 Audience Interaction
16:00 – 16:30 Break
16:30 – 16:45 Case Study & Interview with Mahwussh Alam, Founder, One Perfect Group
16:45 – 17:30 Panel Discussion
HOW CAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM ATTRACT RETAIN AND DEVELOP LOCAL FEMALE TALENT TO SECURE ITS LONG-TERM VITALITY AND PROSPERITY?
The travel and tourism industry plays a crucial role in the Gulf economies. Attracting, retaining, and developing local female talent is therefore essential for the long-term vitality and prosperity of the sector.
But what are the enablers? From creating inclusive work environments, providing career development opportunities and promoting Gender Diversity in Leadership.
Speakers:
Jaime Emiley Simpson, General Manager, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
Elham Booloki, Senior Manager, Dubai College of Tourism
Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Executive Director & Partner, Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies LLC
Mahwussh Alam, Founder, One Perfect Group
Moderator:
Marie de Ducla, MENA Sector Lead for Travel Tourism Retail and Consumer Goods, Google
17:30 – 17:45 Audience Interaction
17:45 – 18:00 Closing Remarks – Christina Lawford, Founder & CEO, DiamondAir International
18:00 – 18:30 Networking
2024 Sponsors
