Equality in Tourism Announces Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award 2026 Winners at ITB Berlin
Sri Lanka's Amba Yaalu Kandalama and Kenya's Nomad Africa won for employing 91 women against cultural norms and implementing comprehensive gender policies respectively.
Photo by Equality in Tourism International
Berlin, Germany - Equality in Tourism, a non-profit committed to advancing gender equality within global travel and tourism, is proud to announce the winners of the fourth annual Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award.
The award is the only one of its kind recognising tourism and hospitality organisations actively creating more gender-equal workplaces and supply chains – an essential component of a sustainable, resilient industry. As well as celebrating progress, it aims to promote the adoption of the award-winning practices.
This year’s winners were revealed during an award ceremony at ITB Berlin’s LGBTQ+ Pavilion on Thursday 5th March, a timely moment just days ahead of International Women’s Day (8th March).
From a shortlist of 10 exceptional candidates representing regions across the globe, judges selected winners in two categories:
Accommodation category:
Amba Yaalu Kandalama, part of the Thema Collection, Sri Lanka - After being highly commended last year, judges recognised the progress and growing impact of Sri Lanka’s first women-led hotel. It has achieved the extraordinary feat of employing 91 women in a social and cultural context where this is against the norm, marking it as a successful example of gender mainstreaming.
Amba Yaalu Kandalama collects the Accommodation award
Amba Yaalu Maintenance Team
Travel and Destinations category:
Nomad Africa, Kenya - With women’s empowerment one of its regenerative pillars, this East African travel company and magazine publisher stood out for its exceptionally thorough gender policy. The majority women leadership team also strongly champions mentorship of women into senior roles.
Nomad Africa collects the Travel & Destinations award
Nomad Africa team
The panel also highly commended Halisi Africa Discoveries, noting the small company’s powerful mission and vision for women’s empowerment.
John Awimbo collects the award on behalf of Halisi Africa Discoveries
In line with past champions, the work of these organisations demonstrates how gender equality is not only achievable, but delivers positive outcomes for workers, businesses, tourists and local communities.
The credibility of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award is grounded in a rigorous shortlisting and judging process, with applicants evaluated on workplace policies, women’s representation across different roles and levels, support for women in the supply chain, and training initiatives.
Finalists are assessed by experts in the field, with this year’s judging panel including Michelle Mason representing award sponsor the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance; Rika Jean-François of MissionRespo; Hector De Castro of Regenera Luxury; UNWTO consultant Lucy Ferguson; and gender specialist Charmaine Maelge.
Following the award presentation, a panel discussion brought together judges Rika Jean-François and Hector De Castro with Michelle Janke (GSTC), Sonja Schroeder (Nomad Africa), and Maxime Wickramasinghe (Thema Collection, owners of Amba Yaalu) to reflect on the award's impact and the ongoing work towards an equitable industry.
The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is incredibly proud to support the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award. Advancing gender equality is fundamental to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable hospitality industry.
Being part of the judging panel is both a privilege and a responsibility, and we are inspired by the leadership, commitment and impact demonstrated by this year’s finalists.
Michelle Mason, Social Responsibility and Recognition Programme Manager at the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Equality in Tourism co-director Tricia Barnett, who chaired this year’s judging panel, added, “Congratulations to our winners on their outstanding applications, and also to all the applicants for their commitment to gender equality and willingness to share their progress.
“We were proud to receive our highest number of applications yet for this fourth edition of the award. It’s inspiring to see the movement grow and to learn from the many achievements of those who apply.”
About Equality in Tourism International
International non-profit Equality in Tourism champions gender equality in global travel and tourism by raising awareness of challenges, facilitating change and celebrating best practice. They envision a just, equal sector enabling women and their communities to thrive globally and locally. Their work spans four pillars: impact projects, training and consultation, research and the pioneering Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award.