Women Are a Driving Force for Travel & Tourism, says Report

Photo source: WTTC

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) underscores the pivotal role of women in the global Travel & Tourism sector.

According to WTTC data, women in tourism comprise a significant portion of the sector’s workforce, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total employment.

This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24 percent surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

Key findings reveal that hospitality stands out as the leading employer of women within the Travel & Tourism sector, with over half (52 percent) of all female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment.

Photo source: UN Tourism

“Women in Travel & Tourism play a vital role. We are proud that our sector is one of the largest employers of women in the world,” said WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson, emphasizing the positive impact of women in the sector

“As our sector continues to grow, women have a key role to play; we have the opportunity to make Travel & Tourism more resilient and inclusive. Putting women at the heart of Travel & Tourism will be critical to securing a sustainable future for the sector.”

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.

The global body’s data also reveals women in Travel & Tourism surpass the average workforce participation in other sectors globally. In regions such the Americas, women make up a larger share of employment in the sector compared to the economy-wide workforce.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this data underscores the significant contribution of women to the Travel & Tourism sector, portraying it as a catalyst for gender inclusivity and empowerment on a global scale,” the WTTC said.

WTTC remains committed to provide high-wage jobs, gender equality, and fostering entrepreneurship through SMEs, as well as generating more high-level opportunities for women within large corporations.