In a groundbreaking move to drive gender diversity in tourism leadership, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has partnered with Grow Tourism and Powrsuit to launch the highly anticipated Women in Tourism Career Accelerator. This transformative initiative is set to empower women in the tourism sector with critical skills, knowledge, and strategic connections to accelerate their careers and step confidently into leadership roles.
With women comprising 60% of the tourism workforce, the need for structured, high-impact leadership development has never been more crucial. TIA’s Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram emphasizes the program’s alignment with Tourism 2050: A Blueprint for Impact, a strategy designed to build a future-ready industry workforce.
“Women play a pivotal role in tourism, yet barriers to leadership persist. This programme is about equipping women with the right tools, networks, and self-belief to take their careers to the next level. By fostering stronger female leadership, we are not just advancing individual careers—we are securing the future of our industry,” Ingram states.
Empowering Women to Lead the Future of Tourism
Launching on April 1, the Women in Tourism Career Accelerator will offer on-demand, practical learning modules to strengthen leadership, enhance networking capabilities, and refine personal branding. Participants will gain essential career development skills that position them for senior roles, fostering greater diversity in decision-making and strategic tourism management.
The programme comprises three key learning pillars led by prominent female industry leaders:
- The Art of Self-Leadership – Delivered by Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana, CEO of TRC Tourism, this course helps participants identify their strengths, shape their career trajectories, and proactively seize opportunities.
- The Power of Networking and Connection – Led by Lou Baddiley, Business Development Manager at Rotorua NZ, this course teaches the art of building authentic professional relationships that drive career progression.
- Crafting Your Personal Brand—Spearheaded by Michelle Caldwell, Director of Destinate NZ, this session focuses on helping participants take control of their professional narrative and ensure they stand out in the industry.
Upon completing the courses, participants will receive a three-month membership to Powrsuit, a global professional network designed to connect and support women as they refine their leadership capabilities.
The Ripple Effect: A Stronger, More Inclusive Industry
The accelerator is more than just an educational program—it catalyses systemic change within the tourism industry. By increasing female representation in senior roles, this initiative aims to inspire the next generation of women to pursue leadership, ensuring a more diverse and dynamic sector.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have strong allies championing me throughout my career,” says Ingram. “Sometimes all it takes is the right encouragement and resources to take that next step. Through this programme, we hope to create a powerful support system that propels more women into leadership positions.”
Recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion, TIA will award its members three scholarships, providing free access to the accelerator. Additionally, the programme will be featured extensively across TIA’s communication channels, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement within the industry.
How to Get Involved
Women in tourism looking to elevate their careers and break into leadership roles are encouraged to register for the Women in Tourism Career Accelerator. Whether you are an emerging leader or an industry veteran looking to refine your skills, this initiative offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and build a strong, future-ready career.
For more details and registration, visit the Women in Tourism Career Accelerator.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
