How To Build the Mindset of a Changemaker in Tourism
Truth Behind Travel Podcast
How To Build the Mindset of a Changemaker in Tourism
Summary
Dolores Semeraro interviews Global Tourism Expert and Thought Leader Aradhana Khowala on where do we really stand today in gender representation and opportunities, how to build the mindset of a change maker and where is regenerative tourism heading.Â
Aradhana Khowala is a global expert and one of the most influential leaders in the luxury hospitality, travel and tourism sector. Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, a global consultancy firm for governments, emerging destinations, and public and private organisations seeking regenerative tourism development solutions and Prior to her current role, she served as the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Â
She pioneers environmental regeneration and social transformation across her diverse range of global roles and responsibilities.Â
The Highlights
They highlight the lack of progress in gender parity, noting that only 8 out of 78 world leaders at COP29 were women, despite a 1% increase in female participation. Aradhana emphasizes the need for structural changes, investment, and accountability to drive gender diversity and sustainability. They also discuss the potential of women in leadership roles, the importance of inclusive systems, and the challenges of greenwashing in regenerative tourism. Aradhana advocates for bold, transformative actions and the integration of regenerative practices into tourism’s financial models.
- Gender Representation in COP 29
- Challenges and Strengths of Women in Tourism
- Embracing Sustainability Roles
- Solutions for Increasing Women’s Representation
- Challenges in Tourism Destinations
- Regenerative Tourism and Women Leaders
- Preventing Greenwashing in Regenerative Tourism
- The Role of Vision and Innovation
- Final Thoughts and Future Directions
About Aradhana Khowala
Aradhana Khowala is a global expert and one of the most influential leaders in the luxury hospitality, travel and tourism sector with a career spanning 24 years and a footprint across five continents and 75+ countries. Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, the go-to strategic consultancy for governments, emerging destinations, and public and private organisations seeking regenerative tourism development solutions. Prior to her current role, she served as the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM, a ground breaking US$500 billion initiative in Saudi Arabia.
An active and sought-after Board Member she serves as the Chair of the Group Advisory Board of Red Sea Global, steering the revolutionary regenerative tourism initiative in Saudi Arabia towards unprecedented environmental and social transformation milestones. She is also a Board Member and Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at Elaf Group, owned by SEDCO Holding. In the past she has worked for Jones Lang LaSalle, covering UK, Benelux and Scandinavian markets.
Beyond the boardroom, Aradhana is a startup enthusiast with a knack for identifying promising ventures and committed to nurturing the next generation of trailblazers. Armed with a keen eye for innovation, rich network and a deep understanding of market trends, her diverse portfolio mirrors her unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change.
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source: LinkedIn
