International Women’s Day has come and gone for another year, but the day gave me thought about how men and women compare within the tourism industry.
To put this in context: as an Adelaide woman, I come from a city which pioneered women’s rights early. Women could vote in Adelaide way back in 1894, which is much earlier than some of the major suffragette campaigns to happen in following decades.
Today, in 2019, we still fight for equal standing. I won’t go through horrifying domestic violence statistics or inequality in pay… but there’s a way to go before women are truly regarded as equals.
Even so, I’ve always been given the chance to believe I’m capable of attempting anything and achieving my goals. It’s something that’s always felt natural… but it’s not the same for everyone, and it’s not easy.
As a traveller, do you think about whether you would prefer a male or female tour guide on any tour you take? Or get to a tour and wish it was someone of a different gender?
In tourism, we understand this can affect a traveller’s experience. Whether these are conscious or subconscious thoughts/feelings, it can really be a boys vs girls game in how people do or don’t respond to a tour guide, just from personal preferences.
Males and females biologically think and feel differently, women more often in touch with their emotions.
Women are generally more empathetic, while men find it easier to maintain a neutral, and dare I say it, aloof vibe about any arising problem. Of course, these are generalisations, but this opinion does come from personal/industry experience.
However, as a female tour guide, my empathy is my strength.
I care about every person who comes my way on tour, because I want to teach them about my city. I want to show travellers the best things to do in Adelaide, what to see, drink, eat.
I will give 110%, because I have already fought hard to get to where I am, and it’s instilled in me.
I will reveal the quirks of the city that travellers find fascinating, all with a smile.
Female tour guides like myself are passionate and want to make sure travellers are gaining the most from their experience.
I say this in respect to all tour guides, but particularly my fellow women, who work so hard to provide a quality product every day for curious travellers.
If you’re thinking, “What should I do in Adelaide?”, take a chance on a passionate female like myself and see the best of Adelaide’s attractions on a walking tour.
Flamboyant forever,
Katina
#walkadelaide #flamboyancetours
Missed our last post? Check out my thoughts on some amazing femmes of the Adelaide Fringe here.
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