We’re proud to announce the winners of the fourth annual Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award.
The award is the only one of its kind recognising tourism and hospitality organisations actively creating more gender-equal workplaces and supply chains – an essential component of a sustainable, resilient industry. As well as celebrating progress, it aims to promote the adoption of the award-winning practices.
This year’s winners were revealed during an award ceremony at ITB Berlin’s LGBTQ+ Pavilion on Thursday 5th March, a timely moment just days ahead of International Women’s Day (8th March).
From a shortlist of 10 exceptional candidates representing regions across the globe, judges selected winners in two categories.
Accommodation Winner: Amba Yaalu Kandalama, Sri Lanka
After being highly commended last year, judges recognised the progress and growing impact of Sri Lanka’s first women-led hotel. Amba Yaalu Kandalama, part of the Thema Collection, has achieved the extraordinary feat of employing 91 women in a social and cultural context where this is against the norm, marking it as a successful example of gender mainstreaming.
Travel and Destinations Winner: Nomad Africa, Kenya
With women’s empowerment one of its regenerative pillars, East African travel company and magazine publisher Nomad Africa stood out for its exceptionally thorough gender policy. The majority women leadership team also strongly champions mentorship of women into senior roles.
The panel also highly commended Halisi Africa Discoveries, noting the small company’s powerful mission and vision for women’s empowerment.
In line with past champions, the work of these organisations demonstrates how gender equality is not only achievable, but delivers positive outcomes for workers, businesses, tourists and local communities.
Industry Partners Championing Gender Equality
The credibility of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award is grounded in a rigorous shortlisting and judging process, with applicants evaluated on workplace policies, women’s representation across different roles and levels, support for women in the supply chain, and training initiatives.
Finalists are assessed by experts in the field, with this year’s judging panel including Michelle Mason representing award sponsor the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance; Rika Jean-François of MissionRespo; Hector De Castro of Regenera Luxury; UNWTO consultant Lucy Ferguson; and gender specialist Charmaine Maelge.
Following the award presentation, a panel discussion brought together judges Rika Jean-François and Hector De Castro with Michelle Janke (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), Sonja Schroeder (Nomad Africa), and Maxime Wickramasinghe (Thema Collection, owners of Amba Yaalu) to reflect on the award’s impact and the ongoing work toward an equitable industry.
Michelle Mason, Social Responsibility and Recognition Programme Manager at the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, commented, “The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is incredibly proud to support the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award. Advancing gender equality is fundamental to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable hospitality industry.
“Being part of the judging panel is both a privilege and a responsibility, and we are inspired by the leadership, commitment, and impact demonstrated by this year’s finalists.”
Equality in Tourism co-director Tricia Barnett, who chaired this year’s judging panel, added, “Congratulations to our winners on their outstanding applications, and also to all the applicants for their commitment to gender equality and willingness to share their progress.
“We were proud to receive our highest number of applications yet for this fourth edition of the award. It’s inspiring to see the movement grow and to learn from the many achievements of those who apply.”
Looking Ahead: Gender Equality Champion of the Year 2027
We may have only just handed over the trophies to our 2027 Champions, but we’re already looking ahead to the 2026 edition of the award!
If you share the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s enthusiasm for championing an equitable industry via the award, talk to us about becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship supports every stage of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award campaign – from outreach to potential candidates, to celebrating our winners at ITB, to sharing their best practices with the wider industry.
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