WTTC Advocates for Increased Women’s Participation and Opportunities

What’s going on:   

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is advocating for increased women’s participation in the travel and tourism industry, according to Hotel News. During the Women Deliver Global Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, professionals in the industry discussed the challenges faced by women in the sector and explored strategies on how the industry can overcome them. The organization states that women make up 54% of the tourism workforce and is urging both public and private sectors to adopt policies that promote women in senior management roles and provide professional development programs for women.  

Why it matters:    

The promotion of women’s involvement in the travel and tourism sector is important for its growth and resilience. However, the WTTC identified that women employees face disparities such as lower pay and job security. It’s reported that the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on these challenges, with a majority of the 62 million jobs lost in the sector being women’s jobs. Addressing these barriers and inequalities can unlock immense upward potential for women who work in the tourism/travel industry, and it can help drive the industry towards sustainable growth.  

How it’ll impact the future:   

Promoting gender equality in the travel and tourism sector will likely lead to a more diverse and prosperous workforce. Additionally, any mentorship programs that are established by companies working within the industry could have a positive impact on young women seeking professional opportunities in areas where there may be limited options.  

The push for gender equality in the travel and tourism sector could set a precedent for other industries. If successful, it could inspire other industries to adopt similar measures, leading to a more equal and fairer workforce across a wider spectrum of businesses.