What: UNWTO’s Guidelines Will Push for Gender Equality in Tourism
Nearly two years after the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released its strategy on a sustainable restart to tourism, the agency is putting forth a new set of guidelines — but this time, they will focus on helping governments and businesses better understand the needs of women as travel continues to recover from the pandemic.
The guidelines will include tools to support national, regional and local tourism entities, and strategies to push for true gender equality in tourism.
Why It Matters: Women Have Proven Themselves to Be Key Stakeholders in the Travel Industry
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, two-thirds of travel agencies are owned and operated by women. Women make at least 70% of travel decisions. And women make up half of the entire tourism industry workforce.
Despite this, there is a disproportionate amount of female workers in the industry’s lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs. Another reason to support the needs of this community? Women are bearing the brunt of COVID-19-related unemployment. For the sector to recover — and prosper — these key players need a seat at the table. UNWTO should be applauded for its efforts, and governments and travel companies alike would do well to apply these new guidelines to their businesses.
Fast Facts
- The new guidelines were developed in conjunction with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and UN Women.
- According to a UNWTO statement, the guidelines will be “focusing on policies, programs and thematic issues in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, the strategy for businesses is intended to support tourism enterprises of all types and sizes to achieve effective and consistent strategies and programs for gender equality across their operations."
What They Are Saying
“The restart of tourism must include everyone, and the benefits must be enjoyed by all,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general for UNWTO. “ Tourism has proven itself a true champion of gender equality, and these new guidelines will help both governments and businesses harness the sector’s power as a driver of women’s empowerment as the world opens up again.”
The Details
United Nations World Tourism Organization
