A SOCIAL enterprise group has launched a BAME-focused initiative, in a bid to highlight black, Asian and minority ethnic women in the travel and tourism industry.

According to Travel Weekly UK, the new division aims to support BAME women “fulfil their economic and individual potential” through customised training and mentoring aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and employment.

They will also work with travel & tourism businesses and organisations who wish to increase their presence and build knowledge of BAME travel communities.

Eulanda Shead Osagiede, co-founder of travel, food and lifestyle blog Hey! Dip Your Toes In, will take on the executive director role of Women in Travel’s BAME division.

She said: “Despite the voices of women of colour within the travel and tourism industry traditionally being marginalised, there is a new wave of disruptors changing the narrative within this space.

“BAME Women in Travel plans to play a key role in providing resources, networking opportunities, training, and events focused on making advancement within the travel and tourism industry more accessible.

“It is my hope that I can serve women of colour through my passionate advocate for a more diverse and inclusive industry.”

Women in Travel founder Alessandra Alonso commented: “’Since its inception in 2014, Women in Travel has passionately acted as go-between for the travel and tourism sector and talented yet marginalised women seeking greater involvement in the sector, be it via stable employment or the opportunity to launch their own tourism business.

“In the last 18 months we have run BAME-focused events with excellent feedback from the communities who engaged with us.

“Our BAME Women in Travel initiative is therefore the natural progression to grow the opportunities available to women from black, minority and Asian communities within a sector that is still lacking diversity at every level.”

The new initiative will be unveiled at an event in London on March 11.