Recognizing Gender Equality Champions in Tourism: Hector De Castro’s Role at ITB Berlin 2025

At ITB Berlin 2025, the International Awards of Equality in Tourism once again highlighted the organizations leading the way in gender equality in tourism. Among the distinguished panel of judges was Hector De Castro, founder of Regenera Luxury. He brought his expertise and commitment to regeneration and social responsibility to this prestigious initiative.

Why Gender Equality in Tourism Matters

Gender equality is not just a social issue—it is a fundamental pillar of a truly sustainable and regenerative tourism industry. A diverse workforce leads to innovation, higher resilience levels, inclusivity, and long-term success. However, many barriers still exist, from pay gaps to limited leadership opportunities for women.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing challenges. So, recognizing and celebrating businesses that embed gender equity into their core operations is more crucial than ever. The International Awards of Equality in Tourism honor pioneers who lead the way in fostering inclusivity and empowerment, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Hector De Castro’s Role as a Judge

As a respected leader in regenerative luxury hospitality, Hector De Castro served on the judging panel alongside experts from UNWTO, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Sojern, and other key industry stakeholders. His role involved evaluating nominees based on their policies, impact, and commitment to advancing gender equality.

With his work at Regenera Luxury—the world’s first certification for regenerative luxury hotels and retreats—Hector brings a deep understanding of how luxury hospitality can drive positive social change. He has long championed initiatives that bridge the gap between high-end travel and ethical responsibility. His insights were instrumental in selecting this year’s winners, ensuring that businesses with genuine, measurable gender equality efforts received the recognition they deserved.

Meet the Esteemed Judges Championing Gender Equality in Tourism

The 2025 International Awards of Equality in Tourism at ITB Berlin brought together a distinguished panel of experts committed to fostering gender equity in the tourism and hospitality industry. Their expertise ensured that businesses demonstrating genuine, measurable progress in gender inclusivity were rightfully recognized.

An Expert Panel Driving Change

This year’s panel featured renowned industry leaders, each bringing a wealth of knowledge in sustainable tourism, hospitality, and social responsibility:

• Dr. Stroma Cole – Director, Equality in Tourism
  Dr. Cole is one of the leading academic and gender advocates. She has worked extensively on tourism’s impact on women’s empowerment and sustainable development.
• Hector De Castro – Founder, Regenera Luxury
  A pioneer in regenerative luxury hospitality, De Castro’s expertise bridges high-end travel with ethical responsibility. His work at Regenera Luxury—a certification for regenerative luxury hotels—aligns with the award’s mission to promote sustainability and social impact.
• Michelle Mason – Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
  As the Social Impact and Destination Programme Manager for the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Mason leads initiatives tackling gender equity and social responsibility in the hospitality sector.
• Dawn Briggs – Senior Director, Sojern
  A key figure in global travel marketing, Briggs is also a founding member of SoEmpowered, an initiative supporting women in leadership within the travel industry.
• Lucy Ferguson – Gender and Tourism Consultant, UNWTO
  Ferguson has collaborated with UNWTO for over a decade. She is leading research and policy development on gender mainstreaming in tourism.
• Rika Jean-François – MissionRespo, Queer Destinations
  Jean-François is A longtime advocate for diversity, human rights, and sustainability in tourism. She has held influential roles at ITB Berlin, IGLTA, and GSTC. Which helps to shape inclusive industry standards.

Together, these renowned experts assessed nominees based on policies, impact, and long-term commitment to gender equality. Which will ensure that the awards set a new benchmark for inclusivity in tourism.

Regenera Luxury’s Collaboration with Global Tourism Leaders

International Awards of Equality in Tourism- ITB Berlin 2025

At ITB Berlin 2025, Regenera Luxury joined forces with UNWTO, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and ITB Berlin to support the International Awards of Equality in Tourism. This collaboration underscored a shared commitment to gender equality, sustainability, and regenerative tourism. Which ensures that the awards recognize organizations creating real impact. By working alongside these global leaders, Regenera Luxury contributed its expertise in luxury hospitality and regeneration. And it is helping to drive forward a more inclusive and responsible tourism industry.

A glimpse of the discussions at ITB Berlin 2025, where industry leaders collaborated to promote gender equality in tourism.

2025 Award Winners and Their Impact

Travel & Destinations Winner: Responsible Travel, Ecuador

Responsible Travel South America was recognized for integrating gender equality across all levels of their business, from hiring policies to environmental restoration projects. The company actively promotes female leadership in tourism and ensures women play a crucial role in community-based environmental initiatives.

Accommodation Winner: Community Homestay Network, Nepal

The judges praised this social enterprise for ensuring gender inclusion is at the heart of their business. And also for including climate risk awareness and disaster risk reduction. By offering homestays run by women, the organization empowers local female entrepreneurs while preserving cultural heritage.

Highly Commended: Amba Yaalu Kandalama, Sri Lanka

The panel also highly commended Amba Yaalu Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s first 100% female-staffed hotel. It has created jobs for 70 women. This initiative is a milestone in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This showcases how gender-inclusive employment strategies can drive both business success and social change.

A Commitment to Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism

For Hector De Castro, supporting this initiative aligns with Regenera Luxury’s mission of fostering meaningful change in the tourism and hospitality industry. As a judge, he continues to advocate for a future where sustainability includes gender equity and social progress.

Beyond this event, Hector and Regenera Luxury remain dedicated to championing social policies across the luxury hotel sector. By prioritizing gender equality, businesses can create more resilient, innovative, and socially responsible travel experiences.

As the industry looks ahead to the 2026 edition of the awards, this year’s winners prove that gender equality in tourism is not just an aspiration—it’s a reality being built today. Their stories serve as inspiration for businesses worldwide to take actionable steps toward a fairer, more inclusive future.