A Champion for Women in Tourism: For International Women’s Day, Anne Kyle to Speak at ANZCCJ

At Arigato Travel, we have always been committed to creating opportunities for women in the tourism industry. As a company, we strive to support and collaborate with female entrepreneurs, chefs, artisans, and tourism professionals, ensuring that our tours and trip plans highlight their incredible contributions. With an average of 60% of our team being women, we are proud to be part of the movement addressing the imbalance in Japan’s tourism sector, where leadership roles are still predominantly held by men.

Women make up nearly 54% of the global tourism workforce, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. Studies show that companies with a gender-balanced workforce—particularly those with 50% or more women in key positions—achieve higher profitability, improved innovation, and better customer satisfaction. A McKinsey report found that businesses in the top quartile for gender diversity in executive teams were 25% more likely to outperform financially than those in the bottom quartile. These statistics highlight why it is crucial for the tourism industry to actively support and promote women into leadership positions.

Photo Credit: ANZCCJ

That’s why we are thrilled to announce that Anne Kyle, CEO of Arigato Travel, will be a featured panelist at the ANZCCJ International Women’s Day 2025 Breakfast & Panel Discussion. Hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ANZCCJ), this event will take place on March 7, 2025, at the Pullman Tokyo Tamachi, bringing together business leaders to discuss the theme ‘Accelerate Action’—a call to break down barriers and push for real change in gender equality.

Photo Credit: kitzcorner

Anne has long been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in tourism, and through Arigato Travel, she has actively worked to uplift women in the industry. From partnering with female-owned businesses to supporting women-led culinary experiences, her leadership has helped carve a path for more women to thrive in tourism. Her participation in this panel underscores the importance of proactive steps in addressing systemic biases and creating an industry that offers equal opportunities for all.

The discussion, moderated by Rebecca Thorn, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, will feature esteemed panelists including Ms. Cynthia Usui, a hospitality expert dedicated to customer-centric service; Ms. Yukiko Sakai, Senior Technical Manager for Product Development and Quality Assurance at Leprino Foods; and Mr. Dean Daniels, Vice President of Operations and Representative Director at Accor Japan K.K. Together, they will explore how businesses and individuals can take decisive action to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity in the workplace.

This event is not just a panel discussion—it is a powerful opportunity for networking, learning, and driving meaningful change. For those passionate about gender equality in the workplace, particularly in industries like tourism and hospitality, this gathering will provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Photo Credit: oatawa

At Arigato Travel, we know that empowering women strengthens the entire industry. We are always looking for passionate tourism professionals, interns, and support team members who share our mission. If you are interested in building a career in travel and making a difference, we encourage you to reach out to us at jobs@arigatojapan.co.jp.

For more details about the ANZCCJ International Women’s Day 2025 event and to register, visit: Event Registration. If you’d like to connect with Arigato Travel, feel free to contact us at info@arigatojapan.co.jp.

Additionally, Arigato Travel CEO and Co-owner Anne Kyle, along with General Manager Lauren Shannon, are available to speak at events, conferences, and corporate gatherings in Japan and globally. They bring insights on tourism, business growth, and scaling, and are passionate about sharing their expertise with industry professionals and organizations. Contact us for speaking opportunities at info@arigatojapan.co.jp

Featured photo credit: Pixel-Shot

Read more about Anne and how she started our company in our interview!