Zina Bencheikh is a prominent leader in the tourism industry and a vocal advocate for gender equality. As the Managing Director of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) at Intrepid Travel, Zina has spearheaded initiatives that focus on promoting women in leadership and empowering female tour guides in regions where gender roles traditionally restrict women’s participation in the workforce.
A native of Morocco, Zina has been instrumental in Intrepid Travel’s gender equality projects across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), an area known for its cultural and social barriers to female employment in tourism. Under her leadership, Intrepid Travel has made bold commitments, including setting a target to double the number of female tour guides in the region and implementing policies that create a more inclusive workplace for women.
Zina’s commitment to gender equality in tourism goes beyond just employment. She has been an active advocate for the economic empowerment of women through sustainable tourism models. By encouraging local women in Morocco, Jordan, and Iran to take leadership roles, Zina has helped break down traditional gender roles and provided women with the opportunity to financially support themselves and their families.
In 2019, Zina was named to the “100 Most Powerful Women in Tourism” list, recognising her as one of the top women shaping the future of travel and tourism. She has also been a TEDx speaker, sharing her insights on how tourism can be a force for good and an enabler of gender equality. Her work at Intrepid Travel, where inclusivity and sustainability are key tenets, exemplifies how tourism can drive both social change and business success.
A strong advocate for education, Zina believes that access to education and training is essential for women’s advancement in the tourism industry. She works to ensure that Intrepid’s training programs equip women with the skills they need to succeed in leadership roles, while also advocating for global gender-sensitive policies that support women in all sectors of the industry.
Zina Bencheikh is a shining example of how women leaders in tourism can make a profound impact not only within their organisations but also in the communities they serve. Her focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and gender equality is shaping a more equitable and progressive future for tourism.
Through her work at Intrepid Travel and beyond, Zina continues to inspire a new generation of women leaders in tourism, proving that with the right support and determination, women can lead transformative change in the industry.
