Zina Bencheikh

Zina Bencheikh is driven by her passion for making the world a more inclusive and equal place to live. She uses the global reach of PEAK DMC to create economic opportunities for women through tourism, breaking down gender barriers in countries where women have been traditionally excluded from paid work, such as Morocco. Her inspiring work has already helped shift mindsets in the country and help a growing number of women find work as tour guides, and she is now committed to finding the next generation of female tour leaders by partnering with Education For All, who educate and empower girls in rural Morocco.

WOMEN AT THE TOP: Why the Future of Hospitality Leadership is Female

This panel session will take a timely look at why it’s the women in local communities who are the real hustlers; the first ones to realise that knowledge equals power; and the first ones to educate themselves to open up a career in hospitality. While just a few years ago women comprised only 9% of US hotel company presidents and (excluding HR roles) less than 20% of leadership positions in hospitality, the future is looking much brighter. Discover how, in an industry founded on warm and welcoming guest service, the percentage of female leaders could increase to as much as 50% in the next five years.