The Leadership Gap in Tourism; and Women Closing it

Women in tourism are no longer confined to the margins of the industry’s workforce; they are increasingly shaping its direction, influencing consumer behaviour, and redefining how travel experiences are conceptualised and delivered. Globally, women account for 54% of the tourism workforce, according to UN Tourism, a figure that significantly surpasses most other sectors. However, this strong representation does not translate into leadership. According to Kanta Singh of UN Women, visibility matters: when women occupy leadership and public-facing roles, it directly influences how safe and inclusive a destination is perceived to be, shaping both traveller confidence and societal attitudes. Featured on Travel Trends Today (T3)

Key takeaways from the article:

• Women account for 54% of the tourism workforce, yet leadership representation drops sharply to 7% at CEO/decision-making level, highlighting a structural gap.
  

• The real challenge is mid-career attrition. Drop-offs are driven by long working hours, limited flexibility, lack of mentorship, and societal expectations, not capability.
  

• Leadership gap is structural, not pipeline-related. Barriers exist in access to visibility, sponsorship, and strategic roles, especially in finance and decision-making functions.
  

• Representation shapes destination perception. Visible women in frontline and leadership roles enhance safety perception and inclusivity, directly influencing traveller confidence.
  

• Safety goes beyond infrastructure. It is built through consistent implementation, behaviour, reliable transport, and trained stakeholders, not just policies.
  

• Women-led businesses are experience-first and community-driven. They bring authenticity, sustainability, and local integration, aligning closely with evolving traveller demand.
  

• Scaling women-led enterprises remains a challenge. Limited access to capital, networks, and mentorship restricts growth despite strong performance potential.
  

• Community tourism is being reshaped by women. Women are driving homestays, cultural experiences, and micro-entrepreneurship, strengthening local economies and preserving heritage.
  

• Tourism is a powerful job creator for women. The sector remains one of the largest generators of employment globally, making gender inclusion economically critical.
  

• Industry change needs both policy and mindset shift. Calls for minimum leadership representation, equal pay, childcare support, and male allyship are gaining urgency.
  

• Inclusion must move from intent to strategy. The narrative is shifting from diversity as a checkbox to women as core growth drivers in tourism.
  

• Recognition platforms are accelerating visibility. Initiatives like awards and industry platforms are amplifying women’s contributions and inspiring future leadership pipelines.

  In conversation with:
  

• Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC

• Nalini Gupta, MD at Lotus Destinations & ClickMyCruise

• Ratna Chadha, Chairperson & Co-Founder, TIRUN

• Shobha Rudra, Partner & Founder of RARE India

• Vasudha Sondhi, MD, Outbound Marketing

• Arshdeep Anand, Vice President, ATOAI & Director at Holiday Moods Adventures Pvt Ltd

• Alpa Jani, Founder at Ace Connect

• Komal Seth, Founder & Director, Linkin Reps

• Alefiya Singh, Founder & Director, IRIS Reps

• Pallavi Mehra, Sr. Group Director & Publisher - Travel Trends Today (T3)