"Women and Tourism. Shaping the Future of Travel"

From September 19 to 21, 2025, Zell am See became the center of international dialogue on women’s leadership and the future of tourism. The EWMD International Conference 2025 – Women & Tourism: Shaping the Future of Travel brought together inspiring voices, innovative ideas, and shared visions for a more inclusive and sustainable travel industry.

Our conference opened in a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the Lapponia Bar, where participants received handmade conference wristbands and enjoyed a flying buffet and drinks. The following day, 110 EWMD members from eight countries gathered at the modern Ferry Porsche Congress Centre for a full day of keynotes, insights, and exchange

Opening remarks by Tanju Cepheli, Nadine Nembach, and Dagmar Köttl set the tone for a dynamic and forward-thinking program. Keynote speaker Iaia Pedemonte introduced the concept of Gender Responsible Tourism, highlighting how inclusive travel practices and women’s empowerment can transform the global tourism landscape. Inspiring best-practice examples from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Africa, and India illustrated how gender-sensitive initiatives foster economic resilience and social change.

Professor Dagmar Lund-Durlacher addressed the urgent need for climate action in tourism, pointing out that while the sector contributes about ten percent to global GDP, it also accounts for 6.5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Tourism, she noted, is both driver and victim of climate change, confronting rising temperatures, sea-level increases, and biodiversity loss. Persistent pay gaps, seasonal employment, and limited childcare options remain key challenges worldwide.

The Austrian perspective was presented by Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, CEO of Austria Tourism, who emphasized a holistic and cooperative approach to national tourism development. With Austria ranking 13th globally in international arrivals, the industry remains strongly female-driven, particularly in hospitality and gastronomy.

An inspiring highlight came from Regina Samson’s presentation Women in Travel, tracing the journeys of remarkable women travelers such as Egeria, Mary Wollstonecraft, Isabelle Eberhardt, and Empress Sisi. She reflected on travel as a form of empowerment, transformation, and storytelling.

Renate Ecker, former Tourism Director of Zell am See-Kaprun, shared the remarkable transformation of the region from an alpine village to a year-round premium destination. She underlined the region’s commitment to sustainability, internationalization, and digital innovation — achievements recognized by the UNWTO Best Tourism Village 2023 award and the KEM Region certification.

Under radiant sunshine, the conference offered participants the perfect backdrop to connect and exchange ideas. A joint boat trip aboard the MS Schmittenhöhe, followed by a dinner at the exclusive Villa Crazy Daisy, provided memorable moments of networking and authentic Austrian hospitality.

On Sunday morning, attendees explored Zell am See and its local businesses — from visiting a traditional brewery or the historic Vogtturm tower to meeting local artists and discovering an innovative hotel concept. The conference concluded with a farewell lunch at one of the town’s most traditional inns, closing the weekend on a note of gratitude and inspiration.

Organized under the leadership of EWMD Austria President Dagmar Köttl and the Salzburg Chapter team with support from Linz, Vienna, and international chapters. Stefanie Rummel made a major contribution to the success of the conference as its moderator, as did Anita Biebl, who introduced us to the art of yodelling.

As the conference came to an end, one message was clear and unanimous: women’s leadership is not only key to equality but essential for shaping a fair, innovative, and sustainable future of travel.