- Women make up over half the tourism workforce yet remain underrepresented in leadership.
- Gender pay gaps in tourism range from 14% to 16%.
- Women are often confined to low-paying, low-recognition roles.
- Leadership positions in tourism rarely reach women—less than 30% hold senior roles.
- Public and private partnerships are developing strategies for equity.
- Concrete action, not vague goals, is vital for real progress.
The Irony of Gender Equality in Tourism
Tourism, an industry overflowing with sunny brochures and promises of a brighter world, hides deep shadows when it comes to gender equality. Sure, women constitute 54% of the global tourism workforce (UNWTO, 2022). But hold the applause for those stats—most of these jobs are…
