Jetwing Hotels wins PATA Gold Award in Women Empowerment

27th January, 2023 Member Updates,News and Updates

Jetwing Hotels won the Gold Award for their innovative women empowerment and inclusive recruitment project Second Careers at the recently concluded Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2022, taking the coveted award in the “Women Empowerment Initiative” category. Dmitri Cooray of Jetwing Hotels accepted the award at the ceremony held in Ras al Khaimah, UAE.

The winning project was initiated in 2021 by Jetwing Hotels to provide an opportunity for women aged 45 and above, from economically challenged backgrounds, to enter the workforce. Women from the localities of Jetwing Hotels’ operations across the island who were eager to enter a professional working environment were provided capacity building and employment, augmenting their skills in household management through a structured onboarding process. Second Careers has thus far proven to be an effective and sustainable solution to the difficulty in attracting female talent to the industry while ensuring local communities benefit economically from tourism operations.

Speaking at the awards, CEO of PATA Liz Ortiguera extended her congratulations to the winners, adding “the achievements of this year’s winners will hopefully inspire and encourage our industry to create new responsible and sustainable initiatives as we look towards recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.” Founded in 1851, the Association brings together public and private sectors to facilitate meaningful partnerships that enhance the value, quality and sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry within the Asia Pacific region.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for nearly five decades, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of our key focus areas.