Celebrating International Women's Day: Honouring Three Trailblazers in Travel

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the courage and determination by ordinary women doing extraordinary things.

This year, we’re especially excited to celebrate three incredible women that we at TourCompass work closely with. Sadly, one of these remarkable women is no longer with us, but her legacy continues to inspire and empower women in travel.

What is International Women’s Day and why we celebrate it

International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on 8th March, is a day to recognise and celebrate women’s achievements across social, economic, cultural, and political areas.

It started with the labour movements in the early 1900s in North America and Europe and was in 1977 formalized by the UN as a worldwide day of recognition.

In 2024, the theme is “Inspire Inclusion”. This theme focuses on the importance of fostering an inclusive world where gender equality is not just encouraged but integrated into every aspect of our social, economic, and political lives.

We celebrate 3 inspiring women in travel

This year, we are proud to highlight three exceptional women, who have all contributed to the empowerment of women in the travel industry across the world.

These women have not only made significant contributions to our own organisation but have also paved the way for gender equality and inclusion within the travel sector in their countries.

Camila Barp – Gondwana Brasil

Firstly, we spotlight Camila Barp, a beacon of female leadership and innovation in the ecotourism sector. As managing partner of Gondwana Brasil, Camila exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and dedication to the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism. Boasting 15 years of experience in ecotourism, she has played a pivotal role in guiding Gondwana Brasil to commercial success through her strategic leadership.

Under Camila’s stewardship, Gondwana Brasil has not only seen remarkable growth but has also become a platform for advocating women’s empowerment within the adventure tourism industry in Brazil. Her leadership has been crucial in assembling a majority-female team, proving the company’s commitment to dismantling traditional barriers and cultivating a supportive atmosphere that values and promotes women’s achievements and leadership roles in tourism.

Gondwana Brasil, founded on the principles of female entrepreneurship and leadership, serves as a shining example of how inclusive practices can lead to success and make a significant impact in traditionally male-dominated industries. Camila Barp, through her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to equality, continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in the business world and beyond.

Yvonne Hilgendorf – Manya Africa Tours Limited

The second woman we want to celebrate is German Yvonne Hilgendorf. Her story is a powerful example of resilience and empowerment in the travel industry.

In 2008 Yvonne went to Uganda to conduct research for her diploma, and in the process, she worked closely with local communities. Since then, Yvonne has gained extensive experience from hotels and tour companies in Uganda, both in sales and business development, helping these companies become successful businesses.

But the dream of establishing a sustainable travel company led her to establish Manya Africa Tours in January 2019. This venture goes beyond mere business; it’s a pledge to reveal the true essence of Uganda and East Africa, enhancing the livelihoods of local communities, including supporting local women, as they, although strong, also are the ones most in need.

Yvonne’s story of building her company from scratch showcases her unwavering determination and commitment to making a positive impact. Manya Africa Tours is a testament to her belief in tourism as a force for good, ensuring that the benefits extend to all stakeholders. Her work not only promotes the beauty of Uganda but also champions inclusive and sustainable tourism practices.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, Yvonne’s achievements highlight the crucial role of solidarity and empowerment in creating a more equitable world.

Eileen Yee – Discova (1970 – 2023)

As we continue our celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, we turn our attention to another extraordinary woman whose contributions have made a significant impact on female leadership and the travel industry.

We honour the memory of Eileen Yee, Discova’s General Manager for multiple regions as well as their Educational Travel team. Eileen sadly passed away in 2023. Her leadership and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment made a significant impact in the travel industry, particularly in promoting gender equality.

Eileen’s leadership blended empathy with inclusivity, valuing every team member’s voice and promoting diversity. She fostered collaboration and growth, uplifting others with her vibrant, innovative spirit and sincere enthusiasm.

Eileen’s legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements. She was a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and worked to open doors for the next generation of female leaders. Eileen understood that true progress comes not just from individual success but from our ability to inspire and uplift those around us.
As we remember Eileen, we are reminded of the importance of supporting and help each other. Her contribution to the travel community continues to inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and equal world.

An equal future

Let’s spend this International Women’s Day appreciating the stories and contributions of women such as Camila, Yvonne and Eileen, who have made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and equality.

Their efforts remind us of the importance of supporting one another and encouraging equal opportunities in all areas of life.

At TourCompass, we strive to continue advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of all women. By working together, we can create a future where everyone’s potential is fully acknowledged and supported.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller