The findings reveal that tourism transport remains overwhelmingly male-dominated despite the sustained growth of international tourism in recent years. Although more women are entering the industry, they continue to be significantly underrepresented in occupations requiring specialized technical expertise and in decision-making roles. The report concludes that meaningful progress will require coordinated action from governments, employers, trade unions, and industry stakeholders.
In aviation, women account for approximately 36% of the workforce, yet they represent only around 6% of commercial pilots. Men continue to dominate technical occupations, flight operations, engineering, and executive management, illustrating the persistent gender imbalance in some of the sector's most highly skilled and influential professions. These figures demonstrate that, while female participation has improved over time, substantial obstacles still prevent women from advancing into leadership and specialized operational careers.
The imbalance is even more pronounced in land passenger transport, which accounts for the overwhelming majority of tourism transport employment worldwide. According to the report, 96% of workers in tourism transport are employed in this segment, but women make up only 3% of the workforce. Professional driving positions, including coaches, buses, and other passenger transport services essential to tourism, remain overwhelmingly occupied by men across most countries.
The maritime passenger transport sector presents a similarly challenging picture. Women account for only 12% of employees, with particularly limited representation in technical, operational, and management positions. This lack of gender diversity not only restricts professional opportunities for women but also reduces the diversity of perspectives within an industry that plays a vital role in international tourism and global mobility.
Beyond employment statistics, the report identifies a range of persistent obstacles that continue to hinder women's participation in tourism transport. These include deeply rooted gender stereotypes surrounding certain occupations, inadequate workplace infrastructure, limited career development opportunities, insufficient legal protections, and ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety and harassment. One of the report's most striking findings is that one in five countries still lacks legislation specifically protecting workers against workplace harassment, leaving many women exposed to unacceptable risks that discourage both recruitment and long-term career development.
To address these challenges, UN Tourism and the ITF have agreed to implement a comprehensive three-year programme of work. The initiative will bring together governments, employers, trade unions, and industry partners to develop gender-responsive policies, improve working conditions, expand professional training opportunities, strengthen leadership pathways for women, and encourage greater female participation across every level of the tourism transport sector.
A central component of the strategy is the enhancement of data collection and reporting systems. By improving the availability and quality of gender-disaggregated statistics, the organizations aim to establish stronger evidence-based policymaking, enabling governments and industry leaders to measure progress accurately, identify persistent gaps, and implement targeted solutions that effectively promote gender equality.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais emphasized that transport is a fundamental pillar of the tourism industry and stressed the importance of removing the barriers that continue to prevent many women from accessing key professional opportunities. She noted that the report provides the robust evidence required to move beyond good intentions and implement practical measures capable of delivering lasting change throughout the sector.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton described the publication of the report as the beginning of a long-term transformation rather than its conclusion. He reaffirmed the commitment of both organizations to work closely with governments, employers, trade unions, and industry stakeholders to translate the report's findings into concrete actions that will reduce gender inequalities and create broader employment opportunities for women across tourism transport.
Through this joint initiative, UN Tourism and the ITF seek to accelerate gender equality within one of the world's most essential industries. By fostering greater inclusion, expanding leadership opportunities, and improving workplace conditions, the partnership aims to build a more diverse, resilient, and sustainable tourism transport sector capable of meeting the evolving demands of global travel while ensuring that women play a full and equal role in shaping its future.
