The launch of Women in Travel CIC’s BAME Women in Travel initiative brought together a diverse range of voices from companies keen to empower women through employability and entrepreneurship.

Its aim is to assist black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women in the travel and tourism industry fulfil their economic and individual potential through training and mentoring services.

Women in Travel will also work with forward-thinking travel and tourism businesses and organisations willing to engage with, and build knowledge of, increasingly influential BAME travel communities.

The event hosted a panel discussion covering topics including diversity and talent, employee engagement, and how to nurture innovation and competitiveness.

Speakers included Eulanda Shead Osagiede, Women in Travel’s new executive director BAME division; Mansoureh Farahani, founder of Travel With Mansoureh; Stephanie Takyi, Daily Mail and Metro lifestyle journalist; Dr Sasha Ho Farris Nyirabu, GP and global health consultant; Lerease Sweeney, Facebook lifestyle manager; and Fiona Anderson, director at travel and lifestyle PR agency GEC PR.

Osagiede said: “Providing a space and platform for women of colour to grow their networks, tap into resources, and share their unique skillsets only amplifies their voices in the larger marketplace.

"This space is not exclusive, rather, it is inclusive of all women seeking to expand their footprint within the travel and tourism industry, especially for those who’ve felt marginalised or overlooked.”

Alessandra Alonso, founder of Women in Travel CIC, added: “Women in Travel has listened to the voices of women from BAME communities and created a platform to share ideas, learn and get inspired.

"These women are passionate about travel and our call to action to the travel industry is get involved or risk alienating an increasingly important part of your stakeholders."