In recognition of International Women’s Day, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shines a spotlight on the essential role women play in driving the global Travel & Tourism sector. This industry thrives thanks to the dedication and talent of a diverse workforce, and women are a significant force within it.
A Growing Presence: Women Fill the Ranks of Travel & Tourism
WTTC data paints a clear picture: women make up nearly 40% of the total workforce in Travel & Tourism. This translates to a substantial increase of 24% from 2010 to 2019, with the number of women directly employed in the sector jumping from 38.6 million to a noteworthy 47.8 million.
Hospitality Leads the Charge
Hospitality emerges as the clear leader in employing women within Travel & Tourism. In 2019, over half (52%) of all female employees in the sector belonged to this segment. Hotels, resorts, and related businesses provide numerous opportunities for women to contribute their skills and build successful careers.
Leading the Way: Women Driving Positive Change
Julia Simpson, the powerful President & CEO of WTTC, emphasizes the undeniable impact of women in Travel & Tourism. She states, “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.”
Ms. Simpson highlights the critical role women play in propelling the industry forward: “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.”
Beyond the Numbers: Women Exceeding Expectations
The WTTC’s data reveals that women in Travel & Tourism consistently surpass the average female workforce participation rates observed in other global sectors. In regions like the Americas, women hold a larger share of jobs within Travel & Tourism compared to the overall workforce.
These statistics showcase not only the significant contribution women make but also the potential for further growth and leadership opportunities within the industry.
Celebrating Women’s Day: A Catalyst for Change
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the data paints a compelling narrative – Travel & Tourism serves as a powerful force for gender inclusivity and empowerment on a global scale.
The WTTC remains committed to championing several key objectives:
- Promoting High-Wage Jobs: They aim to ensure that women have access to well-paying opportunities within Travel & Tourism.
- Fostering Gender Equality: WTTC advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women throughout the industry, regardless of position or background.
- Supporting Entrepreneurship: Recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of women, the WTTC encourages the growth of female-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Travel & Tourism.
- Creating Leadership Opportunities: WTTC actively works to increase the number of women holding high-level positions within large corporations in the sector.
These initiatives pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic Travel & Tourism landscape, where women can flourish and reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentage of the Travel & Tourism workforce is comprised of women?
According to WTTC data, women represent nearly 40% of the total workforce in Travel & Tourism.
Q: In which segment of Travel & Tourism are the majority of women employed?
The hospitality sector, encompassing hotels, resorts, and related businesses, employs the most women within Travel & Tourism, accounting for over half (52%) of female employees in 2019.
Q: How does the WTTC promote gender equality in Travel & Tourism?
The WTTC works towards gender equality through various initiatives, including advocating for high-wage jobs, supporting female entrepreneurship, and encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles within the industry.
