Hon. Minister Choylin Yim Douglas Champions Gender Equality at Inaugural Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism

The Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas, participated in the Inaugural Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism, held in Suva, Fiji, under the theme: “Thriving Together – Gender Equality for Tourism Growth and Transformation.”

The Talanoa session which was part of this year’s South Pacific Tourism Organization Council of Tourism Ministers meeting brought together leaders, industry experts, and advocates to discuss the critical role of women in driving sustainable tourism development across the Pacific.

Hon. Yim Douglas was invited to speak and reflect on the challenges and opportunities for women in tourism. In her address, she highlighted the significant yet often under-recognized contributions of women in the tourism sector. The session underscored that despite tourism’s vast potential, women continue to face significant barriers to full participation and leadership. Globally, women make up the majority of the tourism workforce, yet in the Pacific, only 22% of tourism business board chairs are held by women.

Reflecting on the theme, Hon. Yim Douglas acknowledged the remarkable women in the region who have made substantial contributions through their leadership and dedication to advancing tourism. She praised their resilience and determination, noting that their insights and experiences are not only inspiring but also a powerful testament to the transformative impact women can have on the industry.

“As a female Minister for Tourism in Solomon Islands, today’s discussions have been particularly inspirational for me,” Hon. Yim Douglas shared. “Prior to taking on this role, my experience in the tourism sector was limited. However, stepping into this leadership position has provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and, more importantly, to understand the critical role of women in driving tourism growth.”

The Minister emphasized her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism sector in the Solomon Islands. “The conversations we’ve had today on gender equality and mainstreaming in tourism have reaffirmed my dedication to ensuring that our tourism industry becomes more inclusive, empowering women at all levels. I am inspired to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that not only support women’s participation in tourism but also promote their leadership in shaping the future of our industry.”

The Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism provided a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and promote collaborative efforts toward gender equality in tourism. The event marks a significant step forward in advancing the role of women in the industry, aligning with regional and global goals for sustainable tourism development.

Ends//

-GCU Press Release