General Manager at Intrepid Morocco
Hala Benkhaldoun, General Manager, Morocco Born in Casablanca and raised in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Hala Benkhaldoun has cultivated a rich international career as a consultant, working across France, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. With a background in corporate banking, Hala ultimately followed her passion for travel, joining Intrepid as General Manager for Morocco in September 2019. Under her leadership, Morocco has grown into one of Intrepid’s largest and most successful country offices, with a team of 260 dedicated professionals.
Hala is deeply committed to driving positive change and championing gender equality in Morocco’s tourism sector. Her efforts have significantly expanded opportunities for women, particularly through her instrumental role in recruiting and supporting female tour guides, as well as advocating for girls’ education. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hala continues to be a key force in reshaping the landscape of Morocco’s tourism industry.
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I am excited to attend the inaugural International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) in the Middle East and explore the critical role that travel and tourism can play in empowering women across the region. In more conservative societies, cultural norms around gender roles often result in women being underrepresented in key areas of the industry, with limited opportunities for career advancement. This forum is a vital opportunity for stakeholders—including organizations, tourism bodies, destination managers, and travellers—to come together to shape the future of women in tourism and provide them with a platform to enhance their representation and participation. As a Moroccan who has experienced these challenges firsthand, I look forward to sharing some of the initiatives we’ve championed and learning from others who are driving similar efforts to advance gender equality in the sector.