Quratul Ain, Chief Marketing Officer of Central Borneo Guide, recently participated in The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Asia and the Pacific. Held in Bali, Indonesia, this significant event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore strategies for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the tourism sector.
Conference Highlights
The conference, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), focused on the theme “Empowering Women Through Tourism.” It included a series of panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in the tourism industry. A central topic of discussion was the importance of creating an inclusive ecosystem in the tourism sector across Asia and the Pacific.
Quratul Ain’s Experience
Quratul Ain, affectionately known as Ain, actively engaged in the conference’s various activities. Ain highlighted the critical role of education and skills training in enabling women to assume significant roles within the tourism sector.
Ain also had the opportunity to speak directly with Angela Tanoesoedibjo, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. Their discussion centered around the creative economy and its pivotal role in advancing sustainable tourism. They explored ways to leverage creative industries to enhance the tourism experience and empower local communities, especially women.
Networking and Cultural Engagement
In addition to the formal sessions, Ain engaged in extensive networking with international speakers and female delegates from various Asia-Pacific countries. She used these opportunities to promote the exotic tourism potential of Indonesia, especially her home region of Kalimantan. Ain’s passion and dedication to her homeland’s tourism potential shone through as she shared stories and insights about the rich cultural and natural heritage of Kalimantan.
Interactive Cultural and natural Tour
One of the conference’s highlights was the gala dinner, which provided a relaxed atmosphere for delegates to build connections and discuss collaborative efforts in a more informal setting. The gala dinner featured traditional Indonesian cuisine and performances, showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity.
On the final day of the conference, Ain was selected to participate in the “Interactive Cultural and Nature Tour” at the Arma Museum and Gallery in Ubud. This tour offered delegates a hands-on experience of Balinese culture, including activities such as painting, cooking, and making traditional offerings. The immersive experiences provided delegates with a deeper appreciation of the local culture and highlighted the importance of cultural preservation in tourism.
Inspirational Outcomes
The conference concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to foster an inclusive ecosystem in the tourism sector. Discussions on women’s security and protection were particularly crucial, emphasizing the need to enhance collective efforts to safeguard women in the tourism industry.
Quratul Ain returned to Central Borneo with renewed inspiration and valuable insights to further her efforts in empowering women through tourism. She plans to implement new initiatives inspired by the conference, aiming to create more opportunities for women in Central Borneo and beyond.
