For every paying individual registering on the programme, which costs £350, the new Tour Guiding Academy will offer free training to a disadvantaged woman from around the world.

Women in Travel has brought together a team of global experts and tutors to deliver the programme, which covers all the necessary skills to run a guided tour, with no prior travel experience or training required.

The training focuses on personal storytelling and exploring destinations through the eyes, lives and cultures of the guides delivering them. It also includes modules on the travel and tourism sector, marketing and customer service, plus regular face-to-face virtual mentoring from a panel of experts.

Women in Travel is calling on tour operators and other relevant travel businesses to put staff members through the training, and to use academy graduates as suppliers, helping clients enjoy more diverse experiences.

Alessandra Alonso, Women in Travel CIC managing director, said: “The Covid-19 crisis disproportionately affected women at all levels of society, but it also allowed us to connect with our own communities like never before. 

“We saw an opportunity to provide local women with the skills and confidence to design and deliver tours within their neighbourhoods, in turn giving them freedom, opportunity and revenue. We started the process in 2020 and we are now building on and elevating that concept to reach many more women.”

Alonso added: “We know consumers have an appetite for more personal and authentic insights, so we think the Tour Guiding Academy is going to be a win-win for individuals, businesses and consumers. Most importantly it enables us to provide opportunities for income generation and even employment to women who most need it."

More information is available here.