Businesswoman and tour operator Shelley Williams at Great Exploration Tours is shaking things up in the Virgin Islands as she proudly enriches the tourism economy as a woman and head of a tour company in an industry in which men hold higher positions and make more money overall. According to the UNWTO, a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism, women in the tourism industry earn 14.7% less than their male counterparts. The report stated that women often hold lower-paying, customer-facing roles such as housekeeping or administrative work while men dominate in higher-paying roles in operations, finance, and management.
With the assistance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Williams is one of several women in the Virgin Islands who are changing the inequity of the tourism industry. Williams joins other Virgin Islands entrepreneurs including Patsy Baurlin at St. Thomas Botanical Garden; Gemma Wenner at Wenner Hill Gardens; and Joyia Jones at Joyia Jewelry in strengthening the local economy with businesses that engage tourists from around the world.
Tourism is a crucial industry for the Virgin Islands that brings in nearly two million visitors per year. Tourists are vital to the local economy, and women such as Shelley, Baurlin, Wenner, and Jones are doing their part to engage tourists during the high season. From December until March, the Virgin Islands will be in its peak season, and visitors will enjoy the best weather all year round with mild temperatures and low rainfall. These women entrepreneurs are prepared to support tourists during this peak season and beyond by offering experiences other than the typical beach experience.
According to Williams, “I’m committed to promoting other female business owners in the tourism industry in the Virgin Islands. We are all on a mission to bring about much needed changes in the tourism offerings in the Virgin Islands.”
Together, these female entrepreneurs exemplify how diversity through DEI is elevating the tourism experiences and economy of the Virgin Islands. Right now, Great Exploration Tours is helping people create unforgettable Virgin Island vacations with visits to St. Thomas Botanical Garden, Wenner Hill Gardens, and Joyia Jewelry. Great Exploration Tours is now booking affordable excursions into the lush Virgin Islands with personalized cruise and concierge service. Learn more by visiting https://greatexplorationtours.com/.
ABOUT GREAT EXPLORATION TOURS
Great Exploration Tours provides affordable dream excursions and vacations in the Virgin Islands, complete with personalized cruise and concierge service. Follow on Instagram: @visitvis
Media Contact
Company Name: Great Exploration Tours
Contact Person: Shelley Williams
Email: Send Email
Phone: 800-679-6501
Country: Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Website: https://greatexplorationtours.com/
