This represents about 9.3 percent of total female employment globally, underscoring the sector’s significant social and economic impact as a source of work for women.
The report also indicates that women make up roughly 40 percent of the global tourism workforce. This share is broadly comparable to the participation of women across the wider global economy, demonstrating that travel and tourism remains an important sector for female labor market participation and for reducing gender gaps in employment access.
Beyond its contribution to job creation, women’s participation in tourism also plays an important role in strengthening local communities and regional economies. The sector’s ability to create opportunities across different types of businesses and destinations allows women to contribute directly to economic activity, while also supporting entrepreneurship and the development of local tourism initiatives.
Female participation in tourism employment varies by region, though in many cases it surpasses the average level of women’s participation across the broader economy. In Europe, for example, women account for roughly 47 percent of the tourism workforce. A similar proportion can be found in Central and South America, where women represent approximately 47.7 percent of workers in the sector. These figures highlight tourism’s importance as a major employment source for women across multiple regions.
In the Caribbean, female representation in tourism is even higher. Available data indicates that more than half of all jobs related to travel and tourism in the region are held by women, with participation reaching around 50.3 percent. Such figures illustrate how tourism can serve as a catalyst for improving women’s access to the labor market while also promoting greater economic independence in tourism-dependent destinations.
Another significant aspect of the sector is its ability to generate employment across a wide range of economic activities. From hospitality and restaurants to travel agencies, tourist transportation and event organization, tourism offers job opportunities across multiple skill levels and throughout the tourism value chain. In many cases, these roles provide an entry point into the labor market for young women or for those seeking employment in dynamic and expanding industries.
The hospitality industry in particular stands out as one of the largest employers of women within the tourism ecosystem. Hotels and related accommodation services account for a substantial share of female employment and offer career paths in areas such as hotel management, guest services, administration and tourism operations planning.
The growth of female employment in tourism also reflects a longer-term trend. Prior to the pandemic, the number of women working directly in the sector increased significantly, rising from approximately 38.6 million in 2010 to nearly 47.8 million in 2019. This steady expansion demonstrates the industry’s capacity to continue increasing women’s participation in the global workforce.
In the current context of recovering international travel and expanding tourist flows, the sector continues to generate opportunities for economic growth and employment. With millions of people employed in activities related to travel, tourism remains one of the pillars of the global economy and a crucial platform for advancing women’s participation in the labor market.
As the industry evolves and adapts to new travel trends and consumer expectations, strengthening female participation will remain essential for sustainable development within tourism. The expansion of the sector not only contributes to global economic growth but also creates new opportunities for millions of women to access employment, build professional careers and actively participate in the transformation of the communities where they live and work.
