Women Tourism Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development” Conference at KIU Hunza Campus: Empowering Women in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Tourism Market
Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan – May 9, 2024 –KIU Hunza Campus hosted a landmark conference titled “Women Tourism Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development” on May 9, 2024. The event was a collaborative effort between KIU Hunza Campus and several esteemed partners, including WWF Gilgit, Offto Resort Karimabad, Jubilee Hotel Aliabad, and Karakoram Hospitality and Tourism Service (KHTS) Aliabad.

The conference brought together key stakeholders, including esteemed guests such as Col. (Rtd) Ubaid Ullah Baig, Senior Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA), Mrs. Rani Attiqa, former member of GBLA, Vice Chancellor of KIU, Eng. Professor Dr. Atta Ullah Shah, DC Hunza among others. The guests were warmly welcomed by Dr. Rehmat Karim, Director of KIU Hunza Campus.
The conference aimed to shed light on the pivotal role of women entrepreneurship in the tourism sector of Gilgit-Baltistan while providing a platform for successful women tourism entrepreneurs to share their experiences and insights. Attendees included women entrepreneurs, faculty members, and students from KIU’s Hunza campus, along with representatives from the local administration.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion where women entrepreneurs candidly shared their stories, challenges, and the issues they face in the tourism market. The discourse was rich with ideas on how to overcome barriers and capitalize on opportunities in the sector.
Professor Dr. Atta Ullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of KIU, emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity in tourism entrepreneurship for the sustainable development of Gilgit-Baltistan. Mrs. Rani Attiqa and Col. (Rtd) Ubaid Ullah Baig echoed this sentiment, underlining the need for supportive policies and initiatives to empower women in the region.

Deputy Commissioner of Hunza and Director of KIU Hunza Campus, Dr. Rehmat Karim, highlighted the collaborative efforts needed from both the public and private sectors to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs in tourism.

The conference served as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the formulation of strategies to promote women’s participation in Gilgit-Baltistan’s burgeoning tourism industry.