The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, has released a groundbreaking report highlighting the pandemic’s devastating impact on women and youth employment within the global Travel & Tourism sector. The comprehensive study exposes a dramatic loss of nearly 70 million jobs in the industry, disproportionately affecting women and young people, whose roles were predominantly concentrated in the hardest-hit sectors such as hospitality and food services.
The newly published report, Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment, underscores an alarming reality. Despite a robust economic rebound, the social recovery lags significantly, especially for these vulnerable groups. As global tourism picks up, the WTTC calls for urgent policy action to foster a more inclusive and equitable recovery for women and youth in the industry.
Pandemic Impact: Job Losses and Economic Fallout
In the aftermath of the pandemic, the Travel & Tourism sector, once a vibrant source of employment for underrepresented groups, faced a near-collapse. Almost 70 million jobs were lost, with women and youth bearing the brunt of this upheaval. The report reveals that 2022 the sector employed 42 million women and just over 16 million young people—substantially lower than pre-pandemic figures of 48.4 million women and nearly 19 million young workers in 2019.
“The pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities of women and youth in Travel & Tourism. Their roles were often informal, part-time, or in sectors with limited career advancement opportunities,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. “If we are to build a resilient and inclusive industry, we need to act now to bridge this gap.”
A Sector Vital for Inclusive Growth
Travel and Tourism have long been a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth, providing millions of jobs and empowering communities globally. However, as the report highlights, women and young workers remain significantly underrepresented in high-wage and leadership roles. The gender split in Travel and Tourism employment mirrors that of the broader economy, indicating that systemic barriers prevent equitable progress.
Moreover, economic metrics such as GDP contribution have primarily driven the sector’s rebound. According to the latest WTTC Economic Impact Report (EIR) data, Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution surged by 29.1% in 2023—outpacing the global average, which remained 4.1% below pre-pandemic levels. However, the corresponding social recovery has been sluggish, particularly for women and youth, who are more likely to be trapped in informal, low-wage jobs without security or growth potential.
Call for Action: Building a Path to Inclusive Recovery
The report’s findings clearly call governments, policymakers, and industry leaders to action. Key recommendations include developing robust policies for skills training and gender equality, enhancing job opportunities for women and youth, and investing in education and leadership programs.
“The potential for Travel & Tourism to drive inclusive growth is extraordinary,” Simpson noted. “But to harness this potential, we must focus on creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.”
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to transforming Travel & Tourism into a vehicle for social change. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 significantly emphasises the sector as a youth and female empowerment driver, with notable progress already underway.
“In 2022, Saudi women’s employment in tourism was the fifth fastest growing among G20 countries,” Al Khateeb stated. “We have prioritized investments in skills development, with 375 million riyals allocated in 2024 for training local tour guides who are deeply knowledgeable about our nation’s rich history and landscapes. This initiative, alongside efforts to foster entrepreneurship, is paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.”
Strategic Focus Areas: Empowering Women and Youth
The WTTC report outlines several strategic focus areas to promote a more inclusive recovery in Travel & Tourism:
- Develop Gender-Equal Policies
Establish gender-focused policies to promote equality and eliminate discriminatory practices. - Invest in Skills Training and Education
Support programs that build digital, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills for women and youth. - Implement Inclusive Hiring Practices
Encourage equal pay and flexible work arrangements, and ensure all employees can access benefits and security. - Support for Small Businesses and Start-Ups
Promote entrepreneurship through targeted funding and support for women and youth-owned businesses. - Create Accessible Childcare Solutions
Introduce affordable childcare options to enable more women to enter and stay in the workforce. - Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration between government bodies and private entities is essential to drive the sector’s inclusive growth.
Saudi Arabia Leading by Example
Saudi Arabia is setting a precedent for inclusive development in Travel & Tourism. The Kingdom’s investments in women and youth yield tangible results, particularly in regions like AlUla and Diriyah, where local communities thrive in newly created heritage tourism roles.
“Our focus on localizing services is transforming the sector into a key driver of inclusive development,” Al-Khateeb continued. “By creating pathways for women and youth, we ensure that our tourism growth is shared equitably.”
The Road Ahead: Shaping a Fairer Future
The Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment report is a timely reminder that while economic recovery is underway, social recovery remains incomplete. It serves as a clarion call for industry stakeholders to prioritize including women and youth in the workforce, invest in their skills and future, and ensure that all share the benefits of Travel and Tourism.
“Travel & Tourism has the power to be a force for good,” Simpson concluded. “By investing in women and young people, we are not only supporting our sector but also contributing to a more equitable and prosperous global economy.”
To read the full report, visit the WTTC Research Hub.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
.jpg){kind=tracking}
