The InspiraTIC Turisme session, held recently in collaboration with the University of Lleida, has left us with valuable learnings, challenging data and collective reflections on gender equality in the tourism sector.

The InspiraTIC initiative arises from several Catalan clusters: Edutech, Clúster Digital de Catalunya and Clúster Audiovisual de Catalunya, which over the coming months will continue with similar events within the sectors they represent.

The conference began with the institutional welcome by Ingrid Graells, president of the Tech Tourism Cluster and Director of Marketing and Sales at Beroni.

Then, the presentation by Xavier Martin Canals, from Turijobs, put on the table data that deserve deep reflection:

👉🏽 Only 36% of women hold management positions in tourism, despite the fact that they are the majority in studies in the sector.

👉🏽 22% of women postpone maternity for professional reasons within our field.

👉🏽 Companies that have equality plans attract up to 25% more talent.

👉🏽 And a particularly shocking fact: if changes are not accelerated, it will take 134 years to achieve real equality.

These figures are part of the Gender Inequality in the Tourism Sector report prepared by Turijobs, which we recommend consulting in depth. You can do so here.

After a coffee break and networking, the day continued with the intervention of Marianna Gelardi, from RateGain, who emphasized the value of trust and the creation of support communities within organizations:

👉🏽 We need to create safe and participatory spaces where gender differences can be addressed, where men are also involved.

👉🏽 Mentorships between women are a powerful tool for empowerment and professional growth.

👉🏽 And an essential reminder: the ideal moment does not exist. We need to act, even when we do not feel completely prepared.

To end the day, we enjoyed the panel discussion "Today's leaders, tomorrow's leaders", moderated by Eva Martin from the University of Lleida, with the participation of Montserrat Rocaginé (CaLagneta - Art and Wine), Olga Paz Corbella (Nomon Turisme), Carla Serrat Anaya (student at TecnoCampus) and Ariadna Garreta (student at the University of Lleida). An enriching dialogue was generated around key issues:

👉🏽 Are the employment difficulties that young women encounter a result of their age or their gender?

👉🏽 Are we witnessing a transition towards a more rural and sustainable tourism, or does the traditional sun and beach model still predominate?

👉🏽 What factors determine access to leadership positions? Both entrepreneurs and students agreed that effort and perseverance are key, above gender.

Many thanks to the attendees for taking the time to reflect on gender differences and to the speakers for inspiring us with relevant experiences and data. 

From the Tech Tourism Cluster we will continue working to provide visibility and generate female role models for the new generations.