Hospitality ideal platform to thrive, say female entrepreneurs
Kochi (lamba safar): A group of successful business women at the 12th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) today identified hospitality sector as an ideal platform to build thriving enterprises, stressing that women entrepreneurs can innovate and lead with authenticity.
Speaking at a session on ‘Women’s Entrepreneurial Journey in Tourism’ at KTM 2024 at the Sagara-Samudrika Convention Centre in Willingdon Island here, they said hospitality industry helps women move forward without much mental block.
Dr. Prathibha Madhusudhanan, Founder, Sree Chithra Ayurveda Academy, said women are at the heart of the hospitality transformation where people are seeking more meaningful travel experiences.
She said women Ayurveda entrepreneurs can excel in the sector by blending ancient wisdom with modern hospitality to offer something truly unique for tourists and provide them immersive experiences in the cultural and social milieu of Kerala. “We need to focus on wellness tourism as well as medical tourism,” she added.
Taking note of the obstacles, Dr. Madhusudhanan said balancing professional and personal life is a challenge for women, but they have an “ocean of opportunities” in tourism industry.
“The intersection of sustainability, wellness and hospitality offers a space for women entrepreneurs. They can innovate and taste success through perseverance and family support,” she added.
Ms Anne Sajeev, Director, Fragrant Nature Resorts, urged aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable practices in all their offerings. Noting that the industry has the power to transform lives, Ms Sajeev, who is also into film production, said women entrepreneurs have to believe in their vision and strength.
Ms Sreedevi Ratheesh, Director, Paradise Holidays, Aluva, said hospitality industry has seen a significant increase in women leadership across India. She explained that multi-tasking, time management, creative thinking and staying motivated are vital for women entrepreneurs.
“One of the major problems being faced by women entrepreneurs is lack of training. They have to possess entrepreneurial aptitude and the mindset to accept failures,” she stressed.
Ms Nirmala Lilly, Director of Infinity Hospitality, was the moderator. The expo of the September 26-29 KTM 2024, Asia’s biggest tourism sector event that attracts stakeholders from around the world, featured as many as 347 stalls from public and private entities.
