Women Play a Leading Role in the Tourism Sector

In 2023, the tourism sector employed 330 million people worldwide, directly or indirectly participating in one out of every 11 jobs globally. According to a study by the Inter-American Development Bank, 54 percent of these jobs were held by women.

At the same time, a report published in December by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Center (STGC), revealed that between 2010 and 2019, the increase of women working in this economy was 24 percent, showing a clear trend toward equal opportunities, in line with the values of an industry that, by its nature, strongly promotes an open stance towards all of society.

However, these percentages threaten to obscure other underlying realities that highlight the gender equality opportunities tourism still needs to address. For instance, in industries like hospitality, the 14.5 percent wage gap between male and female employees has not narrowed during this period.

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As every year, World Tourism Day, celebrated since 1980 on September 27, invites us to review the progress made and the objectives yet to be achieved in addressing its most pressing shortcomings. Among these, gender equality takes a central place, especially in areas that for decades have relegated women, such as aviation and technological innovation.

In an interview with Mente Mujer, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC—whose executive team currently includes five women—highlighted the importance of focusing on gender equality in recent years. "Especially in the airline industry, which has historically been very male-dominated, we can now see many women in various positions," said Simpson, who has chaired the organization since 2021.

Comprising businesses and national and international public institutions of all sizes, located in major urban centers as well as in the most remote corners of the planet, tourism is also particularly attractive in an increasingly specialized and, in many cases, exclusive labor market.

Seizing the Moment

The conversation about gender equality takes on even greater significance in a year like 2024, when one-third of the world is engaged in electoral processes. Tourism’s global reach and its role as a meeting point for ideas, cultures, and aspirations force it to think about inclusive solutions that can be easily replicated in very different contexts to sustain its development. In other words, tourism belongs to everyone, and inclusive policies may play a more prominent role in this sector than in others.

“What we saw in countries like Mexico or England, where I come from, is not unique: much of the world is renewing its governments, and in many cases, also at the local level. It is in these new administrations that we need to focus our attention to ensure they follow the recommendations shared by the World Council,” Simpson added. She took the opportunity in this interview to send greetings and congratulations to President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, affirming that she has “a true tourism gem” in her hands.

“It is very important that our sector’s voice is heard at this moment, when there are so many priorities and increasing competition. Currently, Mexico is competing in the tourism market with more than 300 destinations ranging from North America to the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region,” she added. Therefore, it is crucial that efforts in promotion, infrastructure, and diversification of tourism products are accompanied by comprehensive gender equality programs that reflect the diverse concerns, goals, and purposes of travelers.

Nota publicada originalmente en El Heraldo de México