ParaguayLatin women: key players in sustainable tourism according to UN Tourism study

23-10-24

The participation of Latinas in the tourism sector has gained unprecedented relevance, according to a new study by the United Nations (UN). The report not only highlights the crucial role they play in the tourism industry, but also underscores the impact of their contributions to sustainable development and gender equality in Latin America.

The report, entitled “Latinas in Tourism: Promoters of Sustainable Development,” focuses on the importance of gender equity in one of the most dynamic and ever-expanding economic sectors globally. Tourism, which represents a vital source of income and employment for many countries in the region, has proven to be an arena where women have made great strides, although they still face significant barriers.

In Latin America, tourism is one of the key economic drivers, with increasing participation of women in a variety of areas, from tourism business management to entrepreneurship and community work. According to the UN study, women represent 54% of the region's tourism workforce, exceeding the global average of 47%.

This increased participation has led to an increase in women's access to paid employment, especially in rural areas, where community-based tourism has become a powerful tool for female empowerment. Training in tourism-related skills, from hospitality to destination management to creating cultural experiences, has enabled many women to improve their livelihoods and those of their families.

However, the study also points out that, despite these achievements, women in tourism still face wage inequalities, limitations in accessing leadership positions, and limited resources to start their own businesses. Access to credit, lack of government support and low visibility of women entrepreneurs are some of the challenges mentioned in the report.

The UN report highlights that women in Latin America are not only participating in the tourism sector, but are also driving sustainable practices within the industry. Responsible tourism and ecotourism are areas where women have proven to be key influencers, developing projects that not only attract travelers, but also promote environmental conservation and respect for local cultures.

A significant example is the increase in women-led initiatives in rural destinations and indigenous communities, where nature- and culture-based tourism is promoted. These initiatives seek to preserve cultural and natural heritage, while generating income and employment for local communities. In this context, female leadership becomes an essential factor for sustainable development, as many women have taken the initiative to create tourism products and services that respect the environment and benefit future generations.

In addition, the study points out that women play a leading role in the implementation of strategies to combat climate change in the tourism sector. Many women entrepreneurs and tourism workers are leading projects that reduce the use of plastics, promote renewable energy and support environmental education for travelers, thus contributing to mitigating the effects of mass tourism and its negative impacts on the environment.

Despite progress, women working in tourism in Latin America continue to face multiple barriers. The gender pay gap is one of the most pronounced, with significant differences in remuneration between men and women in the same positions. The UN report stresses the urgent need to implement public policies that promote gender equality and equal access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Likewise, the study points out that it is necessary to increase investment in the education and training of women in digital skills, management and leadership so that they can access positions of greater responsibility in the tourism industry. This training will not only benefit women, but will also strengthen the tourism sector as a whole, improving competitiveness and sustainability.

The report concludes that in order to achieve truly inclusive and sustainable tourism in Latin America, it is essential to continue promoting the active participation of women at all levels of the sector. Public policies, the private sector and international organizations have a responsibility to work together to eliminate the barriers that prevent women from accessing the same opportunities as men.

The UN study highlights that Latinas are not only workers in the tourism sector, but also leaders, entrepreneurs and drivers of change towards a more equitable and sustainable tourism. The vision and efforts of these women are transforming the future of tourism in the region, generating a positive impact that transcends the economic sphere and extends to the social and environmental. Inclusive tourism is not only an achievable goal, but a reality that is already underway, driven by the leadership of women in Latin America.