NEW OPENINGS: Shenzhen welcomes new Mandarin Oriental

Equality in Tourism, an international organisation committed to advancing gender equality within the tourism industry, is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award 2025.  Photo credits: Equality in Tourism Returning for its third year, the award is bestowed upon remarkable organisations committed to promoting gender equality within tourism and hospitality across the globe. With diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives increasingly under threat, its aims to celebrate equitable practices and encourage their adoption are more significant than ever. This year’s shortlist featured nine outstanding candidates who had demonstrated exceptional dedication to policies, practices and initiatives that empower women and create more equitable workplaces. Winners from the two categories – Accommodation and Travel & Destinations – were unveiled during a special ceremony held on 6th March at ITB Berlin's LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion Stage:  Travel & Destinations category: Responsible Travel, Ecuador -  Judges felt the South American travel operator “lives and breathes gender equality”, as evidenced in an outstanding application and a public declaration of their values on their website. Since making the 2024 shortlist, they’ve continued to strengthen their commitment to gender equality, including within their environmental recovery projects.  Accommodation category: Community Homestay Network, Nepal - The judges praised this social enterprise homestay network on the thorough and transparent gender equality efforts that run throughout their business, including areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate risk and gender awareness training.  The panel also highly commended the new women-led Amba Yaalu (Mango Friends) Kandalama hotel in Sri Lanka, spotlighting them as a promising tourism actor with huge potential.  These organisations follow in the footsteps of Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, Accor Brazil Embrace Program and Travel Excellence – the former Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award winners who have all pushed boundaries and made impactful strides towards a more balanced workplace.  This year’s winners were selected from the shortlist by a distinguished panel of global gender and tourism experts, including representatives from the two award sponsors – Michelle Mason from the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and  Dawn Briggs from Sojern. They were joined by Hector De Castro of Regenera Luxury, Rika Jean-François of MissionRespo, and UNWTO consultant Lucy Ferguson.  Michelle Mason, Social Responsibility and Recognition Programme Manager at the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, comments: “At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, our mission is to create a fairer and more inclusive hospitality industry. As a sponsor of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award, we proudly support Equality in Tourism in recognising inspiring organisations that go beyond words to create real impact.  “All of the shortlisted nominees exemplify extraordinary dedication to advancing gender equality. Their work doesn’t just inspire. It ignites meaningful change that extends far beyond their immediate reach. We celebrate and recognise their commitment to the cause, as true changemakers in our industry." Dr. Stroma Cole, Reader in tourism at the University of Westminster and Co-Director of Equality in Tourism, chaired the judging panel and echoes this sentiment: “Our 2025 Gender Equality Champions each submitted exceptional applications that demonstrated real care and commitment to creating change for women. We’re delighted to spotlight the impactful and transformative work they’re doing to pioneer a more equitable industry.  “There can be no true sustainability in tourism without gender equality. We urge fellow organisations to look to our winners for inspiration – they set a shining example for peers to learn from.” The award aligns with the UNWTO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to enhance tourism's positive impact on women’s lives. 

From beautifully upgraded rooms to a newly designed bar and luxurious leisure areas Burnham Beeches Hotel has been thoughtfully transformed to create an immersive experience for guests.

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Preferred Travel Group, is highlighting some of the exceptional initiatives implemented by member hotels globally that align with this year’s theme of #AccelerateAction. From Sweden to India and beyond, these hotels are deeply committed to empowering women—both within their local communities and further afield— driving meaningful change through inspiring programs and advocacy.  "At Preferred Travel Group, we believe that meaningful change begins with action. This International Women’s Day, we are proud to support and celebrate the impactful initiatives of our member hotels that empower women, uplift communities, and create lasting positive change. This day serves as a timely reminder that together we can build a more inclusive and equitable world," said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group.   Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group ATELIER Playa Mujeres (Cancun, Mexico) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection  ATELIER Playa Mujeres' "Painting Smiles" program, in partnership with the Ciudad de la Alegría Foundation, supports various "Homes with a Cause," including the Home of Women. This initiative focuses on supporting and extending a helping hand to women who have experienced violence or abandonment. Guests at the resort contribute through a nominal nightly donation, directly aiding these transformative programs. Additionally, hotel staff, known as Arteleros, engage in volunteer efforts, dedicating time and care to the community's wellbeing.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group Nordic Light Hotel (Stockholm, Sweden) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection   Nordic Light Hotel works in partnership with Talita, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women leaving prostitution and human trafficking. Recognizing the challenges these women face, the hotel offers financial contributions, work training opportunities, and actively raises guest awareness about the issue. Every room features a door hanger on the pillows with information about Talita and ways for guests to support the cause—ensuring the message reaches everyone and clearly signalling the hotel’s commitment to this issue.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts (India) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection and Beyond Green  In its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and women's empowerment, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Phool to upcycle florals adorning its properties into charcoal-free incense sticks and cones infused with Tishya by The Leela, the brand’s signature fragrance. These incense products burn cleanly, releasing no harmful toxins, while also reducing waste and minimizing pollution. Beyond environmental impact, this initiative fosters social inclusion by empowering women entrepreneurs, who are meticulously trained to handcraft these sustainable products, playing a crucial role in The Leela’s journey toward conscious luxury.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (Bahia Drake, Costa Rica) – Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection and Beyond Green  SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge is an active member of the RED SOFIA international program, certifying the lodge as a safe destination for solo female travellers. Their dedication is also reflected in a partnership with Del Silencio a la Libertad, a local NGO working to combat sexual abuse through therapy, education, and advocacy. Additional support for women-led initiatives includes La Flor de Boruca, an organization founded by women from the indigenous Boruca tribe who are working to preserve traditional crafts and generating income through ecotourism. Through these efforts, the property not only uplifts women locally but also contributes to lasting cultural and societal change.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection   Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has collaborated with Lālla, a sustainable, women-led rug company to outfit their chambers and suites with unique, handmade Moroccan rugs. The London-based brand sources its rugs through female weaving cooperatives in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, supporting local artisans and telling their stories through each piece. The partnership with Virgin Hotels involved creating fully bespoke designs, employing 215 women for the project. The process took around 18 months, with every rug reflecting the personal craftsmanship of the weavers. Lālla’s founders, driven by their passion for travel and female empowerment, have transformed their love for Moroccan artistry into a meaningful business that blends sustainability with storytelling.