Women in Tourism

By james
November 24, 2025

Women comprise a majority of the tourism workforce, and supporting their growth is essential for a thriving rural industry. Explorers’ Edge is dedicated to empowering the women who drive our region’s hospitality, from frontline staff to entrepreneurs, by creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development. We believe that when women in tourism succeed, our entire community reaps the benefits in innovation, service excellence, and inclusive economic growth.

  • Women in Tourism Social Club: We host biannual Women in Tourism gatherings (open to all genders) that provide mentorship, education, and peer networking to uplift women working in local tourism and hospitality. These positive events help build confidence and connections among tourism professionals.
  • Co-Creation Lab Luncheon: In 2023, we launched a special luncheon to honor women in the regional tourism sector and to gather their insights on workforce challenges (such as training and housing) as part of our Tourism Co-Creation Lab. By inviting women “in the trenches” to share feedback, we ensure their voices shape solutions like our Catalyst Housing project for staff accommodations.
  • Community Partnerships: Explorers’ Edge proudly supports community-led initiatives celebrating women’s contributions to tourism. For example, we partnered with the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce to present the Fall 2025 “Women in Tourism” networking breakfast, aligning with local Oktoberfest festivities. By investing in such events, we help spotlight female leadership and inspire more women to advance in the industry.

Why We Invest in Women in Tourism

Because when women are equipped, encouraged, and elevated, entire destinations change for the better. Rural tourism thrives on relationships, creativity, and community care, all areas where women have long been the backbone but not always the beneficiaries of support or visibility. By intentionally investing in women’s leadership, skill development, and wellbeing, Explorers’ Edge is helping build a stronger, more resilient tourism economy, one where diverse perspectives shape decision-making, innovation flourishes, and every visitor feels the warmth and authenticity of a region where women’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic investment in the future of “The Great Canadian Wilderness.”