At this year’s ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel industry platforms, Halisi Africa Discoveries was proudly recognised on a global stage for its commitment to gender equality in tourism.
During the 2026 Gender Equality Champion of the Year Awards, organised by Equality in Tourism, Halisi Africa Discoveries received a high commendation in the Travel and Destinations category, a powerful acknowledgment of the company’s mission to advance women’s empowerment across Africa’s tourism landscape.
A Global Platform for Change
The Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award is the only global recognition dedicated specifically to tourism and hospitality organisations actively creating more equitable workplaces and supply chains. Beyond celebration, the award serves as a platform to spotlight and encourage the adoption of impactful, inclusive practices across the industry.
Announced just days before International Women's Day, the awards highlight the critical role gender equality plays in building a sustainable, resilient tourism sector.
Recognising Impact Across the Industry
From a competitive shortlist of ten organisations worldwide, two winners were selected.
In the Accommodation Category, Amba Yaalu Kandalama, part of the Thema Collection in Sri Lanka, was recognised for its achievement in employing 91 women in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
In the Travel and Destinations Category, Nomad Africa was celebrated for its strong gender policies and women-led leadership structure.
Among these global leaders, Halisi Africa Discoveries stood out. The judging panel specifically highlighted the company’s clear vision and impactful mission in advancing women’s empowerment, noting that even as a small and growing organisation, its influence is both intentional and meaningful.
Why This Recognition Matters
At Halisi Africa Discoveries, gender equality is not a side initiative, it is part of the foundation of how journeys are designed, partnerships are built, and stories are told.
This recognition reflects a commitment to supporting women across tourism value chains, a focus on community-led experiences where women’s voices and leadership are central, and a belief that travel can be a tool for equity, dignity, and opportunity.
The award process itself is rigorous, evaluating organisations on workplace policies, leadership representation, supply chain inclusion, and training initiatives, making this commendation especially significant.
A Shared Journey Forward
The awards ceremony also brought together global leaders in sustainable tourism for a panel discussion on advancing equity in the industry. Experts including Rika Jean-François and Hector De Castro reflected on the growing momentum behind gender-inclusive tourism models.
Their conversations reinforced a key message, gender equality is not only achievable, it is essential to the future of tourism.
Continuing the Work
Being highly commended at a global level is both an honour and a responsibility. It strengthens Halisi Africa Discoveries’ commitment to continue building experiences that are not only transformative for travellers, but also empowering for the communities behind them.
As the movement for equitable tourism grows, Halisi remains dedicated to ensuring that African travel is shaped by inclusion, representation, and shared prosperity.
Explore more about our impact-driven journeys and partnerships as we continue to reimagine travel across Africa.
