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Donavanik: Thai hospitality continues to hold sway in a changing world
Dusit International's vice-chairman and executive committee chairman Chanin Donavanik shared his thoughts regarding how his company continues to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving field of global hospitality. The hospitality mogul sat down for a keynote session with Hoftel chairman Simon Allison earlier today, 23rd June, at the South East Asia Hotel Investors' Summit (SEAHIS) at Dusit Thani Bangkok. As the session began, Donavanik said: "One of the most unique things about Thailand for us is that the feedback about us is very positive anywhere we go in the world. In fact, the good thing about Thailand is that, in terms of hospitality, we don't have any issues." Keeping a Thai sensibility Donavanik further pointed out that Dusit International has made it a point to retain a certain modicum of Thai charm and tradition in its properties on a global scale. He cited some recent property developments in Japan to illustrate his point. As he put it: "Our team opened two hotels in Japan around 18 months ago. While they featured Japanese architecture and interior design, we also added a touch of Thai interior design." Donavanik further pointed out that Dusit has long been considered a Thai-focused hospitality company. He said: "Not a lot of hotels can say that, so I'd like to think that, as a hospitality company, we understand who we are. I hope our team will continue to do that." Coping with evolving demographics During the course of the session, Allison pointed out the recent trend of travellers being considerably younger these days. He raised a key point as to whether Dusit International will make adjustments to cater for younger guests or if the matter will be one for sub-brands like Dusit Princess or dusit d2 to get into. Donavanik pointed out that the recently revitalised Dusit Thani Bangkok would serve as a good case study for this. He explained: "I remember when we first launched the hotel: some of the families I knew wanted their children to get married at the Dusit Thani like they'd been. The children, however, would say that they weren't sure if they wanted to go with Dusit Thani because, at the time, our hotel was old-fashioned." But following the hotel's extensive refurbishment, younger customers have expressed greater interest in it. As Donavanik puts it: "I think that, for any good property, it needs to be one that even younger guests can enjoy. They don't have to come to us everyday, but they can come whenever they wish. In fact, I hope that we will continue to draw all kinds of people to our hotels.'
Fintech is changing the way we travel…and here’s why
Financial technologies, colloquially referred to as fintech, have significantly changed the way the world does business, and this is becoming even more pronounced in the travel and tourism sectors. Case in point: prior to covering ITB China this year, the organisers sent an info packet regarding some things I needed to do before the trip, and one of those tips was to download and install either Alipay or WePay into my mobile device. This was because the bulk of daily financial transactions in China were now being done through mobile payment applications like those mentioned, and those run from simple purchases at the local convenience store to settling the bill for one’s hotel stay and even transportation tickets. Indeed, using mobile payment systems was an unexpected boon and the more widespread adoption of such technologies is already transforming the way we travel. In this feature, we show how widespread these already are in terms of use, along with both the benefits and disadvantages they have for both travellers and the businesses they interact with whilst on the go. Global players like Bakuun were presenting their products to travel professionals at ITB China Increasing use worldwide According to a 2024 study conducted by Euromonitor International, the total global value of mobile payment transactions was up 12 percent year-on-year, hitting a total of US$8.146 billion across 47 key markets. Euromonitor experts attributed this to the growing number of smartphone users throughout the world, abetted by more affordable models and brands, some of which are actually tailored to specific user needs, as well as wider access to the internet. Indeed, 87 percent of global households had at least one smartphone as of end-2023, and 71 percent globally had access to broadband internet and a host of useful applications for everyday living. At the same time, leading fintech companies like PayPal have been working with point-of-sale (POS) systems providers, thus leading to the more widespread adoption and use of evolving mobile payment tools for everything from banking to retail. Fintech in the context of travel At last year’s WebinTravel (WiT) Singapore, the panel Payments: Powering the Next Generation of Travel specifically touched upon how financial technologies are becoming a key part of the experience for many travellers. According to one post-event report: “The ability to pay with familiar methods can be as important as trying local food or exploring new destinations. Travel companies are tapping into this by offering local payment options, making it easier for travellers to use payment methods they’re comfortable with even abroad.” South Korea’s Ken Kim, chief executive at GLN International, went so far as to refer to this as payment roaming. According to Kim: “People travelling want to use the same financial services abroad as they do at home. GLN customers make over 20 more QR payment transactions per person during a three or four-day trip. They see payment as a part of the travel experience.” Likewise, mobile payment applications address key issues regarding cross-border payments, essentially doing away with high surcharges and slow processing and enabling users to transact in real time. Also, using payment apps does away with the need to have one’s cash on hand changed at local money changers: travellers need not lose money to marked up exchange rates and have the freedom of transacting like a local. While Alipay and WeChat's WePay are the dominant players in China, local tech firms are stepping up to the plate The primary benefits (and disadvantages) of using mobile payment apps while travelling Payment apps are more accessible and convenient Mobile payment apps enable users to make purchases without needing to bring large amounts of cash or several credit/debit cards. Likewise, apps streamline the payment process, and many are integrated with popular travel applications, making it much easier to book tours, flights, and other forms of transportation; They are more secure than most of the conventional payment options As above, linking the app with an international bank card of one’s choice does away with carrying wallets that could be stolen and could compromise one’s personal safety. Transactions are also done in real time and are put under two-factor encryption for optimal online security; and No need to bother with the local money changer Several apps offer competitive foreign exchange rates compared to physical money changing services. Indeed, some go so far as to offer low or even zero currency conversion fees. Likewise, applications like Alipay and PayPal can automatically convert currencies, simplifying transactions in different countries. Of course, these do not mean that the use of mobile payment apps and other forms of fintech are completely hassle-free. Older users may find themselves askance as to how to install and use these products while they’re on the go. Likewise, losing the device in which your primary cash app is installed while overseas can be more than a little inconvenient. It should also be noted that not all countries accept mobile payments, and it still helps to bring some actual cash and at least one credit or debit card for banking and shopping. However, given the constant innovation of these applications and related technologies, it is safe to say that fintech in travel is here to stay and the possibilities are endless.
Changing the game via rural tourism
Rural tourism has long fascinated travellers, particularly those from highly urbanised areas. But in the evolving context of tourism, specifically cultural and sustainable tourism, this could be both a potential game-changer as well as a money-spinner for both governments and the private sector. From American farmstays and Italian agriturismi, to immersive learning in farms throughout Southeast Asia, rural tourism enables travellers to do more than touch grass, so to speak: these are a solid way of getting into cultures hands on. Rural tourism in the contemporary context UN Tourism defines rural tourism as: any form of tourism activity wherein the visitor’s experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle and culture, angling, and sightseeing. For such activities to be considered rural, these need to be done in non-urbanised or provincial areas with the following characteristics: Low population density; Its landscape and land-use need to be dominated by agriculture and forestry; and Its resident community follows a traditional social structure and lifestyle. Working strategically Just last year, UN Tourism teamed up with Alibaba's travel arm Fliggy to move the rural tourism sector forward through the development of target areas and the training of local human resources. Speaking at ITB China 2025, Fliggy chief executive Zhuoran Zhuang expressed that this partnership, together with ITB officials, will create a powerful network effect. Zhuang said: "This effect will lead to meaningful dialogues that will inspire global tourism professionals and lead to greater participation throughout the travel value chain with regard to rural tourism development." Currently, Fliggy's Unite to Discover Beauty rural tourism empowerment programme seeks to address key issues in the sector, particularly the need for digital infrastructure to speed up it's progress. According to Zhuang: "E-commerce has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and largest segments of the global digital economy, highlighting the urgent need for improved digital infrastructure in rural tourism which currently lags behind." The benefits Properly developed, rural tourism programmes will prove a boon in several ways: They cast the focus on the agricultural sector, thus bringing in much needed funding and infrastructure; People gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of the agricultural sector and its vital role in society; Rural tourism teaches about sustainable practices and environmental welfare; Local economies improve with the influx of visitors and increased tourism spending; Cultural traditions in danger of dying out are kept alive and even thriving by increased public interest; and Urban dwellers also get exposed to healthier, restorative environments beyond the urban sprawl
IndiGo Awarded ‘Partner of the Year’ at Changi Airline Awards 2025
IndiGo has been recognized as ‘Partner of the Year’ at the 18th edition of the Changi Airline Awards 2025, reaffirming the airline’s enduring and successful partnership with Changi Airport Group. This recognition celebrates the long-standing strategic collaboration between IndiGo and Changi Airport, built on a shared commitment to operational excellence, seamless connectivity, and exceptional customer experience. IndiGo has risen to become Changi’s fifth largest foreign carrier by passenger traffic and now operates over 70 weekly services between India and Singapore, which is 53% more compared to pre-Covid levels. The accolade presented to IndiGo is a recognition of the airline’s remarkable growth at Changi Airport since the commencement of its Singapore operations. The recognition highlights IndiGo’s dedication to fostering strong international relationships and delivering unparalleled travel experiences to customers traveling through Singapore, a key hub in its growing international network. Speaking on the occasion, Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said: “At IndiGo, we are truly humbled to receive the 'Partner of the Year' award at the Changi Airline Awards 2025. This recognition validates our dedication to growth and partnership with Changi Airport Group. Since 2011, we've expanded significantly, now operating over 70 weekly flights connecting Singapore to nine cities in India. Our collaboration with Changi Airport has been pivotal in boosting traffic not only between India and Singapore but also beyond, with our codeshare partnerships offering convenient connections to our customers via the Changi Airport. IndiGo is committed to strengthening this partnership with Changi Airport even further, delivering hassle-free travel experiences to our customers.” IndiGo has consistently demonstrated its commitment to expanding its global footprint, with Singapore serving as a critical destination in its international operations. The extensive network of the airline offers travelers convenient schedules, affordable fares, and hassle-free service, reinforcing IndiGo's role in strengthening air connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Chinese lifestyle brand M&G LIFE to stage thematic pop-up at Jewel Changi Airport
Shanghai-based creative lifestyle brand M&G LIFE teamed up with TOYCITY’s original art toy icon MRPA for a themed pop-up at Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport. The M&G LIFE X MR PA Lucky Panda Lounge is currently up at the South Gateway Garden on Jewel Changi’s second level and will be there till Wednesday, 23rd April. This unique pop-up brings a refreshing cultural and creative experience to local fans and international visitors alike as it offers selfie-worthy scenes, free scented card giveaways, interactive games, and lucky draw prizes. According to M&G LIFE’s head of global business Jerry Lu: "This is our first in-depth collaboration with Jewel. At such a globally recognized venue, we aim to offer a fresh perspective on lifestyle aesthetics to consumers from all over the world." Fun for everyone The event features the world premiere of the Singapore-exclusive MR PA Merlion vinyl plush, which has attracted long lines of toy collectors and MR PA fans. As M&G LIFE marketing director Ziqi Tong puts it: "MR PA represents a lighthearted and joyful lifestyle attitude, which aligns beautifully with the spirit of M&G LIFE." Fans are also delighted with live appearances by MR PA on Fridays and Saturdays from 2pm to 8pm to delight fans of all ages, These afternoon events also include meet-and-greet sessions with the designer behind the iconic mascot. After the event, the limited-edition MR PA Merlion Vinyl Plush will be exclusively available at M&G LIFE stores in Raffles City and Wisma Atria, giving fans another chance to take home a piece of this delightful cultural crossover.
SIA invests S$45 million in Changi Airport Terminal 2 Lounges
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will transform its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 over the next two years, investing S$45 million to elevate the on-ground customer experience at its main hub. The revamped lounges will boast 50% more space and seating capacity, and feature upgraded facilities, signature elements from SIA’s flagship lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, and an enhanced variety of food and beverage options. Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines said: “This significant investment underscores Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to elevating the end-to-end travel experience for our customers. Building on the success of our Terminal 3 lounges, we are extending our signature hospitality and thoughtfully curated offerings to Terminal 2. This upgrade reaffirms our continued dedication to providing a seamless, world-class experience that meets the high expectations of our discerning customers.” The all-new First Class SilverKris Lounge will feature a spacious area with increased capacity, higher ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The renovated bar will offer a premium experience, including barista services in the morning. The live cooking stations in the First Class SilverKris Lounge will serve a wide range of popular Singaporean, Asian, and Western cuisine of dishes, while the self-service buffet will also be expanded to mirror the offerings available at the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3. The Business Class SilverKris Lounge will expand by 30%, providing customers with more space and comfort. It will include a quiet rest area with recliners for customers to relax before their flight, and a redesigned living room area with diverse seating options including wingback chairs, sofa seats, and productivity pods. These will give customers the flexibility to work, dine, or rest in comfort. The expanded self-service buffet will feature both Asian and Western cuisines. A new full-service bar will complement the dining experience, serving fresh barista-made coffee in the morning and signature cocktails in the evening. The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double its capacity, offering various seating options, such as armchairs for lounging, workstations, and dining seats. New amenities will include in-lounge restrooms and shower suites, enabling customers to freshen up before their flights. To minimise disruption to customers, renovation will be carried out in phases. Construction of the new First Class SilverKris Lounge will begin on 15 April 2025, with expected completion by the fourth quarter of 2025. Construction of the new Business Class SilverKris Lounge is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, and the new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in the first half of 2026.
Singapore Changi Airport named World’s Best Airport 2025
Yam receiving the Skytrax Award from Plaisted Singapore Changi Airport, which welcomed approximately 67.7 million passenger movements in 2024, has been named the World’s Best Airport 2025 at the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, held during the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid. This marks the 13th time Changi Airport has earned this prestigious honour, reaffirming its position as a world-class aviation hub renowned for innovation, service excellence, and passenger comfort. In addition to the top accolade, Changi also won awards for the World’s Best Airport Dining, World’s Best Airport Washrooms, and Best Airport in Asia — bringing its total tally to over 690 airport awards to date. Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, said: “Changi Airport is honoured to be named by Skytrax as the World’s Best Airport for the 13th time. It is indeed gratifying to receive this recognition, and this certainly encourages us to continue to strive to provide the best travel experience. We thank all our passengers for their vote of confidence. And we’re especially grateful to the Changi Airport community, whose unwavering commitment to service excellence has made this award possible. As air travel continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming passengers to experience the magic at Changi Airport.” Commenting on the achievement Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: “It is a great achievement for Singapore Changi Airport to receive the highest award as the World’s Best Airport 2025, this being a record-breaking 13th time in the awards history that they have scooped this award. The diversity and expansive choice of dining outlets is also recognised with Changi Airport winning the award for the World’s Best Airport Dining. With washrooms being a major driver of customer satisfaction during their airport experience, we congratulate Singapore Changi Airport on receiving the first ever World’s Best Airport Washrooms award.” Enhanced Global Connectivity In 2024, Changi welcomed eight new passenger airlines to the Changi family, including Aero Dili, AirAsia Cambodia, Air Canada, Air Japan, Loong Air, Peach Aviation, Tianjin Airlines and West Air. It also added 11 new passenger city links to its growing network, connecting Singapore to Broome, Brussels, Guiyang, Kertajati, Lhasa, Linyi, Malacca, Phu Quoc, Quanzhou, Vancouver, and Wenzhou, enhancing Changi’s strategic position as a major transit and destination hub. Enhancing Experiences & Amenities for Indian Travellers In addition to its lush gardens, unique attractions and relaxing and thoughtful amenities, Changi continues to enhance offerings for Indian travellers, which are a growing visitor group for the airport. The Free Singapore Tour offered to passengers with at least 5.5 hours of transit time is a standout complimentary experience available at Changi Airport. Indian travellers are among the top 3 nationalities of travellers who enjoy this 2.5 hour guided tour. Running six times a day, the tours feature refreshed itineraries—including the newly introduced Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour—giving transit passengers an enriching glimpse into Singapore’s vibrant cultural heritage and iconic attractions. The Shop & Dine Privileges at Changi Airport continues to be a crowd favourite with Indian travellers, allowing them to redeem up to $20 worth of Changi vouchers, which can be used at dining and retail outlets across the airport’s four terminals. Changi goes beyond being an airport—it is a destination in itself, delivering hospitality, relaxation, and retail therapy under one roof. Its commitment to enhancing every passenger’s journey, whether in transit or at departure-arrival, makes it a consistent winner on the global aviation stage.
STB, Changi Airport Group and Sentosa collaborate to boost marketing in India
To further elevate Singapore’s presence in India, theSingapore Tourism Board (STB), Changi Airport Group (CAG), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) have announced a year-long partnership, marking their first-ever tripartite collaboration focused on the Indian market. This partnership will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, and is established to amplify Singapore’s brand visibility, foster deeper engagement with India’s travel trade, and boost awareness of drive excitement around Sentosa’s wide range of offerings and enhance Singapore’s positioning as a global aviation hub. The collaboration will focus on introducing refreshed experiences in Singapore, with a special emphasis on targeting higher-yield Indian travellers. It will also include the Friends of Singapore Fellowship (FOSF) programme, which will bring 30 influential Indian digital content creators to Singapore. These influencers will create engaging, shareable content that highlights curated experiences across Singapore, including Sentosa Island, and Changi Airport, to shape a refreshed and exciting image of Singapore in the eyes of Indian consumers. Juliana Kua, Assistant Chief Executive, International Group, Singapore Tourism Board said: “Building on the success of our roadshows and the strong interest from the Indian market, this tripartite partnership with Changi Airport Group and Sentosa Development Corporation will help us drive deeper engagement and create memorable experiences for Indian travellers. It reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the ties between Singapore and India, while presenting new opportunities for the travel trade to explore and share.” Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President, Air Hub and Cargo Development, Changi Airport Group said: “India is an important market to Changi Airport. With as many as 17 city links between Singapore and India, Changi Airport is the most connected hub to India within Southeast Asia. Together with STB and SDC, we aim to provide travellers with exceptional experiences from their first touchpoint at Changi Airport to the many places of interest in our exciting city.” Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive (Business & Digital Technology Group), Sentosa Development Corporation said: “Sentosa remains a strong draw for our Indian travellers, and to further enhance our attractiveness, Sentosa will open a range of new experiences this year. They include the newly opened Illumination’s Minion Land and the iconic Raffles Sentosa Singapore, which we hope to inspire guests to create new moments and memories on Sentosa. The iconic Sentosa Sensoryscape also recently celebrated its first anniversary, with the additional of a new augmented reality feature – a mystical island guardian that entices guests on an enchanting journey of discovery. We look forward to welcoming our Indian friends to Sentosa’s sunny shores soon.” 2025: A Milestone Year for India-Singapore Relations This collaboration coincides with a momentous milestone year, as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. To celebrate, STB has launched the Just Between Us Friends programme, offering exclusive deals and discounts for Indian travellers who flash their passports at iconic Singaporean retailers like Jewel Changi Airport, ION Orchard, Paragon and Capitaland malls, as well as offers through Changi Airport Group and Singapore Airlines. Indian travellers can also redeem a sweet treat when they visit Sentosa, and Disney-themed surprises at Mustafa Centre. This initiative aims to deepen connections with Indian tourists and entice them to explore more of Singapore during their visit. Record-Breaking B2B Roadshow The announcement of this tripartite comes on the heels of STB’s biggest B2B roadshow to date, which took place across Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. The event saw 63 exhibitors, a notable increase from last year’s 50, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and destination management companies. The roadshow, which drew over 700 travel professionals in attendance across three cities, underscored the growing interest in Singapore as a leading holiday destination among Indian consumers. With 1.2 million visitors from India in 2024, a nearly 12% increase from the previous year, Singapore is well-positioned to capture an even larger share of India’s outbound tourism market. The roadshow also saw STB’s debut in Chandigarh as part of its effort to expand its reach beyond India’s metropolitan hubs. The Union Territory has emerged as a growing source of potential travel growth, especially with a rising number of Chandigarh-based travellers seeking short-haul holidays and new overseas experiences. “This event has energised us about the destination’s appeal and array of offerings for our customers, and has reinforced our commitment to promoting Singapore itineraries,” said Gagandeep Singh, Assistant General Manager, Antilog Vacations, Chandigarh. As STB continues its strong push to boost its marketing and build deeper trade connections with India, this tripartite partnership signals STB's strong focus and emphasis on India as a key source market for Singapore’s tourism. It highlights STB’s continued commitment to boosting its marketing efforts and building deeper trade connections with India.
Bhutan takes part in Changi Exhibition 2025
Bhutan’s Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines are among those currently participating at Changi Exhibition 2025 in Singapore. The exhibition at Changi Airport Terminal 3 opened on Monday, 10th March, and will run until 6th April. The DOT’s participation at the event is a way by which it promotes Bhutan as a travel destination, increasing its visibility among international travellers. DOT director and head of Bhutan’s National Tourism Office Damcho Rinzin said: "This platform allows us to connect with international travelers and share what makes Bhutan a truly unique destination. We invite visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Bhutan through our engaging displays and cultural performances; and we look forward to welcoming you to Bhutan.” A colourful cultural display The Discover Bhutan Exhibition features a 3D model of Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), alongside stunning visuals that showcase Bhutan's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique travel experiences. Visitors can also explore select Bhutanese products on display, offering a glimpse into the country's rich arts and crafts. During the opening ceremony on the 10th, performers held a vibrant display of traditional Bhutanese mask dances, giving attendees an opportunity to experience Bhutan's vibrant and colorful festivals firsthand. Last year, Bhutan welcomed 3,277 visitors from Singapore alone, reflecting the growing interest in Bhutan as a travel destination and the Southeast Asian city-state is one of its top five source markets. The month-long exhibition gives visitors the chance to explore the Bhutan booth and discover what makes Bhutan a distinctive and rewarding destination.
Untamed Borders’ women tour guides are changing the game in Central Asia and Africa
As International Women’s Day looms on the horizon, Untamed Borders shares the stories of pioneering women tour guides from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. For women in nations like Afghanistan, Somaliland, or Pakistan, there is the obvious hurdle of traditional attitudes and views towards fixed gender roles that tend to limit their career choices. This is particularly true in the case of tourism, but there are women brave enough to step up to the plate to become pioneers in the field. Afghanistan’s Fatima Haidari These noble individuals include Afghanistan’s first female tour guide, Fatima Haidari, who guided for Untamed Borders in the city of Herat, before having to flee for her safety when the Taliban retook control of the nation. The Taliban’s ultra-conservative interpretation of Sharia law means women are largely excluded from the workplace and education settings. For Fatima, this meant she had to leave the nation, but she now offers virtual tours of Afghanistan through Untamed Borders. A portion of the proceeds from these sessions go towards supporting secret education programmes for women who are still in the nation. Fatima says of her work: “Becoming a guide as a woman in Afghanistan was not just difficult: it was like a battle. People gave me strange looks, made discouraging comments, and some even insulted me. Many believed that guiding was not a job for a woman. They thought I was doing something wrong, something shameful.” However, she was never fazed by the words of naysayers; she knew that tour guiding was her passion, and she was not about to give it up because of outdated beliefs. As she continues: “I faced discrimination, but I kept going. I wanted to show other women that we can do anything we dream of, no matter what others say. Being a guide is more than just a job for me: it is my passion, my way of life. It is about learning and teaching, sharing stories, and connecting with people from different cultures. Guiding gives me the freedom to explore, to travel, and to truly be myself. It allows me to show the beauty of places, their history, and their hidden stories.” The story of Pakistan’s Javeria Meanwhile, across the border in Pakistan, women also face many hurdles to enter into the sector, where studies show only three percent of the tourism workforce are female. Guide Javeria Anwar explains what it was like to battle against that sort of social stigma: According to her: “It’s certainly not easy being a single child of overprotective, conservative, parents. We had huge arguments in the beginning, because in our culture, women don’t travel without a family member. They consider those who do to be a bad character and the traditional norm is for women not to interact with the opposite gender. There are so many things involved, but I guess if God has put something in you, then you should not give up on your dreams, you should fight for it, for yourself and for your contentment. If you don't, you will always regret it.” Javeria pointed out that tourism in Pakistan is a male-dominated industry, but one simply needs to learn how to deal with the challenges. She said: “The best part of my job is that I become a part of my clients’ lives forever; even after ten years, they will see the pictures and they will remember my name. You learn so much from different people, different cultures, and there are so many different stories every day. You also learn to see the world from different angles; it’s a blessing to be a guide.” Deka of Somaliland These challenges for women are also felt in some countries in North and East Africa. In the Horn of Africa these are felt acutely, with women in Somaliland twice as likely to be unemployed compared to men. Deka Hassan Abdi is one of the inspiring women, who is leading the way in Somaliland tourism:. Deka says of her profession: “I find it quite exciting, more than challenging, because I believe that opportunities are created by you and not handed to you by society. People tend to be just surprised and explaining to them why I am a tour guide is a challenge, because it’s not something they are used to seeing here. Getting an opportunity to put my country out there and teach people about it, while taking part in the process of getting it recognized by the world, is truly a blessing for me. People have a lot of misconceptions about Somaliland, some people think it is not safe, which isn’t true, so tourism is a great way to help distinguish between the two.” Yasmine of Algeria Further north, Algeria is being seen as the next potential boom country when it comes to African tourism. However, as of 2023, only 16.8 percent of women were in employment and those challenges are felt in the tourism industry too. Yasmine Benchikh is one of those Algerian women wanting to play a part in the booming sector. According to Yasmine: “Becoming a tour guide was my childhood dream; I’ve always wanted to meet people from all over the world and introduce my country to people. Tourism is important to Algeria, it will make people feel more connected to the world. The country has multiple activities, such as great hiking trails in the mountains. However, the country needs more affordable hotels, guest houses, road stops and in general, better quality hotels. I’m very ambitious about guiding, I’d like to learn more and more about this job.” Along with women cultural tour guides, Untamed Borders, has also teamed up with a groundbreaking initiative in Tajikistan, which is training up the nation’s first female trekking guides. The programme called Women Rockin’ Pamirs offers training courses, in a nation where around 69 percent of women remain unemployed and some of the benefactors from the scheme joined Untamed Borders’ on their Pamir Mountain Lakes trekking trips, as part of the guiding team. Into a female future Many of the women guides who work with Untamed Borders, hope to inspire a future generation of female tourism workers and change attitudes in the nations they represent. While Fatima cannot currently guide in her home country, she still has big ambitions for the future. According to her: “I dream of having my own tour company in Afghanistan, where I can show the world the true beauty of my country. Afghanistan is often seen through the lens of war and conflict, but there is so much more to it. At present, she continues to conduct virtual tours from Italy. While she remains far from home, she managed to find a way to continue her work and connect people to Afghanistan. Through these virtual tours, she keeps her passion alive by showing her country’s beauty to those who cannot visit in person. She said” “Alongside my virtual tours, I founded an association in Italy to support girls’ education in Afghanistan. I believe education is the most powerful tool for change. With the Taliban being in power, many girls in Afghanistan are denied the right to go to school and universities. Through my association and my virtual tours, I am helping provide resources and support to these girls so they can have a better future. I also hope in the future I could open more schools for girls. I have fought for my independence and my freedom, and I will never let anyone take that away from me. No matter, my spirit will always remain free. I will continue to fight for my dreams, for the right of women to be free, and for a better future for the girls of Afghanistan.”
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