The second edition of the Global Report on Women in Tourism, released in 2019 by UN Women and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlights how tourism can be a powerful tool for gender equality. The report reveals that 54% of the global tourism workforce is female, surpassing other industries. Women in tourism also have more opportunities for leadership, and the wage gap is smaller compared to other sectors.
Notably, the report underscores the importance of technology in empowering women through training and entrepreneurship. It also showcases how women are increasingly challenging gender stereotypes, assuming roles traditionally held by men, such as tour guides.
The tourism sector plays a vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), with policymakers showing growing awareness of the need for gender equity. The report calls for more inclusive policies and a commitment to ensuring that women share equitably in the benefits tourism can bring.
By leveraging technology, improving policies, and focusing on leadership, the tourism industry can provide women with more opportunities for economic independence and growth.
For more information, you can access the full report here.
