Women: The Heartbeat of Global Travel & Tourism

As the world celebrates International Women's Day, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shines a spotlight on the crucial role women play in the global Travel & Tourism sector. A new report from the WTTC paints a vivid picture of women's growing influence in this vibrant industry, with nearly 40% of its workforce comprised of women. This represents a significant upward trend, with a 24% increase in direct female employment within the sector from 2010 to 2019, rising from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

The hospitality industry emerges as a leading employer of women within the sector, with 52% of female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, underscored the impact of women, stating, "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."

The report further highlights the sector's commitment to inclusivity and resilience, with a call to action for placing women at the heart of Travel & Tourism to ensure a sustainable future for the sector. Furthermore, the WTTC data reveals that women's participation in Travel & Tourism not only surpasses the average workforce participation in other sectors globally but also showcases the sector as a catalyst for gender inclusivity and empowerment on a global scale.

In regions like the Americas, women constitute a larger share of employment in the sector compared to the wider economy, emphasizing the role of Travel & Tourism in promoting gender equality and offering high-wage jobs, fostering entrepreneurship through SMEs, and generating high-level opportunities for women within large corporations.

The contributions of women to the Travel & Tourism sector are more than just numbers; they are a testament to the sector's role as a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity, leading the charge towards a more equitable and resilient future.