On October 7, 2024, Kyiv hosted the International Hospitality Conference by Hoteliero, an event that brought together hotel owners, executives, and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends in the hospitality sector. This year’s conference placed a significant emphasis on inclusivity and innovation, exploring how the industry can evolve to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
One of the key moments of the conference was a panel discussion on “Barrier-Free Hospitality,” featuring Yuriy Kryvosheya, Vice President of the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. In his remarks, Yuriy highlighted the importance of inclusivity, noting that it extends beyond just the development of accessible physical spaces. He urged attendees to adopt a broader understanding of inclusivity, one that embraces the social and economic reintegration of Ukraine’s military veterans and defenders.
“The matter & notion of inclusivity is extremely important,”Yuriy stated. “It continues to transform and evolve, covering much more than just suitable physical infrastructure, which, of course, should be developed according to the latest standards. Among the crucial aspects, we must consider the reintegration of veterans and defenders back into business activities, especially given the significant number of entrepreneurs currently on the front lines.”
Yuriy also emphasized the importance of starting this process now, without waiting for the end of the war. “We can and should be creative in finding ways to enhance synergies with our military and help our defenders. From our side, we have the honor of already being engaged with Soborna Ukraine and DoLadu Mental Health Lab, and we will continue to do more.”
The Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce remains committed to fostering connections between Ukraine and Canada, with a focus on building a more inclusive and supportive business environment. Yuriy’s participation in the panel underscored the Chamber’s dedication to promoting inclusivity in the hospitality sector and beyond.
The Chamber encourages all stakeholders to actively participate in initiatives that promote inclusivity and support Ukraine’s veterans, defenders, and broader community. Together, these efforts can make a significant difference in shaping a more equitable and resilient future for Ukraine.
