The global tourism scene is witnessing a significant change and growth in its ecosystem as with every other industry. Without a doubt, the presence of women has been instrumental in changing the narratives of national socio-economic policies across the globe, including the growth of hospitality and tourism in Africa.
In Africa, more women are answering the call to public service at all levels of government. The ability to balance assertiveness and empathy creates an effective leader and women have been identified as carriers of the inner strength required to handle these very essential leadership roles as well and therefore should be granted a seat at the table.
Reshaping the narratives and staking a claim as a powerful force to consolidate representation in the industry, CEO Pyne Hospitality Company; Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu and CEO Hospitality Amplified; Daphne Spencer established the “African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality” (AAWTH), a community of female change makers and achievers on a mission to assist and support the African hospitality and tourism industry.
The organization houses professional women of African-descent working in all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industries. Serving as a hub, AAWTH is a driving force in the tourism and hospitality industries, advocating for female leaders with a vision to foster equal opportunities for all women of African descent operating in hospitality and tourism.
“We are on a mission to empower, promote and develop women to occupy key roles in the hospitality & tourism industry in Africa. Building a community that is safe to discuss challenges, opportunity, growth, and equity by providing tools, advocacy, mentorship, scholarships, education, support, solutions, policies, and standards of accountability”. Says Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu, founder of the AAWTH.
Membership for the African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality includes but is not limited to: Tourism experts & enthusiasts travel agents, tour operators, hospitality professionals & enthusiasts, hoteliers, hotel owners, Tourism & Hospitality Agencies & groups, Hospitality organisations, Government officials, Student’s vendors/ Service providers etc.
Some of the ways the AAWTH serves its members is by lobbying for favourable policies that affect the overall wellness and productivity of the Tourism and hospitality industry such as setting basic standards of job qualification within the industry.
The body also ensures the formulation of training guidelines for specific sectors, working with business owners on the relevance of investing and budgeting properly for employee development programs while quantifying it's returns on their investments.
As a fast paced and constantly evolving industry with a workforce that cuts across generations, race and cultural backgrounds, the hospitality and Tourism industry requires leaders to be at the forefront of the rigorous demands. The African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality seeks to empower a dynamic community, developing and sustaining its goals of bringing numerous economic value and benefits to the African Tourism ecosystem.
Original Press Release : 6th September 2021
ABOUT AAWTH
African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality was established with the sole aim to foster equal opportunities for all women of African descent operating in the hospitality & tourism.
Our Mission is to empower, promote and develop women to occupy key roles in the hospitality & tourism industry in Africa. Building a community that is safe to discuss challenges, opportunity, growth, and equity by providing tools, advocacy, mentorship, scholarships, education, support, solutions, policies, and standards of accountability.