Aradhana Khowala

Aradhana Khowala  is one of the most influential leaders in the luxury hospitality, travel and tourism sector. With a career spanning over 23 years and traversing five continents, she’s absorbed the cultures of more than 75 countries. Today, she stands as the CEO of Aptamind Partners, where she brilliantly merges her data skills and extensive experience to offer strategic consulting services. Her expertise reaches governments, businesses, and emerging destinations alike, shaping their paths toward sustainable growth.

“If you want to see how passion looks in motion, watch Aradhana speak.”

Aradhana is a dynamic presence on multiple advisory boards. As the Chair of the Group Advisory Board of Red Sea Global—a pioneering regenerative tourism developer in Saudi Arabia—she’s at the forefront of innovative change. This visionary role also extends to AMAALA, the world’s first integrated wellness destination. Her excellence has led to her recognition as one of the top 100 influencers in global hospitality and one of the 25 most inspiring women in the industry, accolades bestowed by the International Hospitality Institute. Aradhana’s voice resonates on distinguished stages, including the UN, G20 Summit, and TEDx, where her connections span the realms of politics, business, and tourism on a global scale.

Most sought-after keynotes:

• THE GREAT DEBATE – DO WOMEN REALLY BELONG ON TOP?
• SAFEGUARDING OUR PLANET THROUGH WOMEN LED CLIMATE ACTION.
• TOURISM, AN AGENT OF OPPRESSION OR TRANSFORMATION?

Aradhana’s mission goes beyond professional achievements. She’s a resolute advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her perspectives on sustainability, gender equality, and femtech investments are uniquely insightful and passionate. Armed with data, she confronts the gender gap, exposing the scarcity of women in prominent roles within the tourism sector. Aradhana is an inspiration for younger generations, and she urges them to make impactful business choices.

Aradhana also addresses the complex issue of gender equality in medical research. Her personal journey as a woman of color in the tourism industry fueled her initial hesitation to advocate for gender diversity. However, she embraced her role as a changemaker. The sobering reality that only 4% of women in the industry hold CEO positions, despite making up 54% of lower-ranking roles, highlights the pressing challenge of the “concrete ceiling.” Aradhana champions the need for increased representation of locals and women in leadership positions.

“Bold and authentic. Change makers and leaders will do well to listen to her innovative ideas and advocacy that our world desperately needs.”

 “An absolute firecracker. Wickedly funny, provocative, seductive and endearingly lovable –she causes a mindset revolution but always leaves you with more hope than fear.” 

She emphasizes the significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in fostering local community well-being for overarching business success. In an industry where small and medium-sized enterprises dominate (comprising 80-85% of all businesses) but receive only 15% of benefits, elevating local communities’ quality of life becomes a mission of utmost importance.

The conventional notion of sustainability—mere avoidance of harm—no longer suffices. Aradhana champions a shift towards regenerative travel and tourism, where the goal isn’t just minimizing harm, but actively generating positive impact. This transformation is pivotal for forging a genuinely sustainable future and mending past wounds. As we approach 2024, dire climate predictions loom. Urgent action is needed to avert ecological devastation and human suffering. This urgency is particularly pertinent to the tourism sector, where leaders must step up and engage younger generations in these vital dialogues. In the face of these challenges, Aradhana holds onto hope, trusting in the dedication of leaders committed to shaping a brighter tomorrow.