In July 2016, the ATTA renewed its support of the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) as a corporate member for the sixth year in a row. In celebrating its 20-year anniversary, OIWC recently unveiled their new brand at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City on August 3rd. Now called Camber Outdoors, the organization works with corporate partners, foundations and industry leaders to achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of active-outdoor industries.
“Today we have more than 3,500 members and 170 corporate partners, as well as 59 CEOS who have made a commitment to supporting our current vision of respect, inclusion and gender equality at every level in the workplace,” said Executive Director, Deanne Buck in a message to their community.
“As we set our sights on the next 20 years, our opportunity to further support our industries in a global and competitive landscape is clearer than ever to create greater industry and business sustainability.”
As an organization whose leadership originated in the outdoor industry, the ATTA is proud to support Camber Outdoors. Alice Gifford, the ATTA’s Director of Community Development and former member of the OIWC Board of Directors, drives the ATTA’s commitment to the non-profit and frequently encourages the full ATTA team to tap into the organization’s mentorship opportunities and support its advocacy of individuals seeking personal growth and career advancement.
“Our senior executive team includes five women who were hired, promoted or included in the team because of their expertise and valuable input to the strategic direction of the organization,” says ATTA VP of Marketing & Communications Casey Hanisko. “This is the shift we’d like to see across all adventure and outdoor businesses. What is truly inspirational to me are the women-owned and run businesses in the ATTA community such as BikeHike Tours, Journeys International and Ciclismo Classico, among others. I hope by shining a spotlight on women’s leadership we can instill continued confidence in those looking to strike out on their own or commit to executive roles in organizations.”
ATTA Member Tour Operators also focus directly on empowering women travelers in the outdoors. Adventure Associates of WA, Adventures Within Reach, Adventure Women Inc, WanderTours, Women’s Own Adventure and others offer women-focused trips and itineraries as well as resources for women traveling solo. Female pro-athletes are being positioned as guides to lead inspiring tours for women trying out new activities. Others still support the training and employment of women in the hospitality industry and in traditionally male roles like porters and guides.
This year the ATTA also partnered with the Adventure Angels for the first time to offer a tour operator scholarship to a woman-owned business based in an emerging market country. Colibri Spanish School (Nicaragua) won the scholarship to attend the 2016 Adventure Travel World Summit in Anchorage, Alaska, and gain access to the ATTA’s global network of over 1,000 members, membership resources and benefits.
At the upcoming Adventure Travel World Summit, a Women’s Leadership in Travel session, designed and led by longtime ATTA Associate, Moe Carrick of Moementum, will be an interactive, first-ever Summit conversation. The conversational style session should prompt deep discovery for all delegates and pave the way to future women-focused sessions.