As we draw closer to presenting the third Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award at ITB Berlin on 6th March, we’re thrilled to reveal our 2025 shortlist.
Sponsored by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Sojern SoEmpowered Group, this award is a call to action to create a more equitable future for the industry. We were heartened to receive so many high quality applications showcasing their work towards this goal, through policies and initiatives that empower women and create fairer workplaces.
Our judging panel has a tough deliberation to come when they meet to decide the winners later this month!
On the 2025 shortlist, we have nine organisations representing six countries. Get to know more about each of them and their commitment to gender equality here.
Amba Yaalu (Mango Friends) Kandalama
Newly opened in 2025, Amba Yaalu Kandalama is Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully managed and staffed by women. The initiative has created jobs for 70 local women, offering extensive training opportunities. It aims to spearhead change in the industry and to change the mindsets of Sri Lankan people, with the country’s social norms and regulations currently restricting women’s participation in tourism.
Community Homestay Network
Community Homestay Network is a social enterprise that supports a network of community homestays in Nepal. They connect travellers with communities across Nepal, providing a unique opportunity to stay with local families and immerse themselves in real Nepali life. They’ve embedded many practices into their operations that promote gender equality, from championing inclusive disaster risk reduction to supporting women entrepreneurs.
FootprintsWorldwide
Based in New Delhi, FootprintsWorldwide offers sales, marketing and PR services to hotels, tourism boards and destination management companies. The company is led by Mamta Pall, is one of 100 women leaders globally taking forward the cause of equal income and work opportunities for women. She’s leading the hospitality and tourism wing of this initiative and has ensured FootprintsWorldwide is a great example of an equitable workplace.
Quinti
This slow tourism tour operator creates tours for conscious travellers in Ecuador, incorporating experiences that empower the local community. Quinti has also collaborated with a project supporting women in the Amazon, Sinchi Warmi, delivering training in marketing and experiences. Everything they do is driven by a commitment to authenticity, sustainability and inclusivity.
RaizUp
Through their DEI consultancy for tourism and travel-tech companies, RaizUp is championing a more inclusive industry. Their work on gender equity includes launching their Women in Hospitality and Travel Tech movement; creating a platform promoting women in the industry for speaking opportunities; and conducting awareness training for voluntary groups and organisations.
Responsible Travel
We have two former Gender Equality Champion candidates returning for 2025, the first of which is Responsible Travel. This Ecuadorian travel operator strives to embed inclusivity in its operations, within their office and beyond. They’ve integrated gender equality into environmental recovery projects, positioning women as community leaders, and collaborate with women entrepreneurs for the products and experiences on their tours.
3 Sisters Adventure Trekking
Our second former candidate on the 2025 shortlist is 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, a Nepalese tour operator leading adventures for women in the Himalayas. The company is addressing the gender gap in Nepal’s tourism industry by training women as trekking guides, challenging societal norms and providing well-paid positions. They also collaborate with Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN) to offer free, skill-based training programmes and employment opportunities for women.
Taj Mahal, New Delhi
Part of the luxury Indian hotel chain, the Taj Mahal, New Delhi has established itself as a dedicated advocate for gender equality. They’ve launched gender initiatives that have positively impacted the organisation and the broader community. These include setting up a Gender Equality Steering Company, a mentorship programme for women, and partnering with community organisations like Svatanya NGO, giving marginalised women the opportunity to work at the hotel.
TORAJAMELO
B Corp enterprise TORAJAMELO works with indigenous communities in Indonesia, especially women artisans from rural excluded communities. They support the women to achieve economic independence, preserve the cultural heritage of authentic backstrap loom weaving, and create community-based ecotourism experiences.
See You at ITB Berlin to Crown Our Winners
Once again, we’re returning to ITB Berlin for the award presentation but this time on a new stage. Join us at the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4.1 at 2.15pm on 6th March to celebrate our winners, learn about their excellent work, and be inspired to create change.
Stick around for the panel discussion to follow: “To ERG, or not to ERG: That is the Question.”
Moderated by Pavel Subrt from East meets West, this session will examine the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering diversity and inclusion (D&I) in 2025. With companies scaling back D&I efforts in challenging times, ERGs must transition from being social spaces to becoming professional, respected, and indispensable resources.
Representing our sponsor Sojern on the panel will be Scott W. Thornburg, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. He’s known for his commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in business and will be sure to add valuable insights to the discussion.
Can’t join us at ITB Berlin? Sign up to our newsletter via the form below or follow us on LinkedIn to catch announcements about our 2025 Gender Equality Champions.
