Launch of Women in Tourism Bangladesh Network

Published: 30 May 2022

The Women in Tourism Bangladesh club and peer-to-peer networking and learning group commenced its first meetings of Dhaka and Khulna chapters on the 31st of March and 3rd of April, 2022. Over two dozen women attended from a range of professional backgrounds, including hospitality management, tour agencies, tour guiding, and tourism marketing. The first meetings were an opportunity for women to share their experiences working in the tourism industry, ideas for future growth and collaborations, and hopes for the network going forward. 

Supported by the Bangladesh Ecotourism and Conservation Alliance, The Women in Tourism Bangladesh Club aims to provide a peer-to-peer networking and support group for women working in the tourism industry across Bangladesh. The network aims to support four primary goals:

  1. Networking, leadership training, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities for women in the industry through a monthly seminar series;
  2. Market research and business development support through experiences that empower female entrepreneurs and travelers;
  3. Peer-to-peer training and market linkages with women in rural and remote areas to develop new products and experiences the network and its members can promote; and
  4. Mentorship and sponsorship opportunities from industry experts within and outside of Bangladesh.

These goals will be achieved in the following ways:

Goal 1: Networking + Peer Learning 

  • Monthly networking and learning exchanges with women in tourism;
  • Leadership training for women in relevant skills; and
  • Peer learning opportunities and workshops with industry experts.

Goal 2: Innovation, Incubation, & Entrepreneurship

  • Market research and forecasting, understanding what opportunities may arise in tourism in the coming years;
  • Curated experiences for female travelers; and
  • Entrepreneurship training and incubation opportunities for women leaders.

Goal 3: Rural Market Linkages + Support

  • Peer training opportunities with women in rural communities;
  • Market linkages to women-run artisan networks and cooperatives; and
  • Cross promotion of women in tourism at local and international levels.

Goal 4: Mentoring + Training

  • Mentorship and sponsorship from international and national tourism experts;
  • Professional training from industry experts; and
  • Women-led national advocacy.

An online network engagement through social media such as Whatsapp and Facebook has started, and ideas for sponsoring workshops on digital marketing, content writing, tour guiding, and leadership development have been planned. 

The program’s representative will join a field trip to Sundarbans to encourage and inspire the participation and leadership of women in the tourism industry. Hopefully, the Women in Tourism Network will fill the gap in women’s connection in tourism and well-trained women leaders in Bangladesh tourism.

Scan the QR code or visit the link today: https://tinyurl.com/witn-bangladesh

And be sure to join the Women in Tourism Bangladesh Network Facebook Group and WhatsApp channels for each chapter (currently, Dhaka and Khulna chapters)!