WTTC spotlights Covid’s impact on women and youth employment in tourism

A new report launched by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, reveals the stark impact of the pandemic on woman and youth employment within the global tourism industry.

Almost 70 million people working in tourism lost their jobs during the pandemic, but women and young people were disproportionately impacted because their roles were more likely to be in the worst affected areas such as hospitality and food services.

While the sector has broadly seen a strong recovery, the ‘Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment’ report found it employed 42 million women and just over 16 million young people in 2022, notably lower than the 48.4 million women (-13%) and nearly 19 million young workers (15%) supported by the sector in 2019.

While the sector remains a vital source of jobs for underrepresented groups, the report makes clear that more must be done to ensure an inclusive and equitable recovery.  

The report, which examines employment trends across 185 economies from 2019 to 2022, underscores the sector’s potential as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and social progress.

It is critical that we learn from these hardships and implement measures to protect these groups from being disproportionately affected in future crises.

According to the latest EIR data, in 2023, the tourism industry’s GDP contribution rose by 29.1% above pre-pandemic levels, outpacing the global average, which remained 4.1% below.

Yet despite this economic rebound, the social recovery continued to lag, particularly for women and young people who remain more likely to be stuck in informal, part-time, or low-wage roles without security or growth potential.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO noted “this report highlights the extraordinary potential of Travel & Tourism to drive inclusive growth, but it also underscores the urgent need for action.

“Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers.

“By investing in skills, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering entrepreneurship, we can unlock the full potential of these groups and ensure that our sector leads the way in creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.”

The report also highlights that women remain underrepresented in high-wage and leadership roles, with the gender split in tourism employment nearly mirroring that of the wider economy.

Young workers, who make up a greater share of the tourism workforce compared to the wider economy, face particular challenges in accessing stable employment.

Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, welcomed the joint report findings and emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting youth and female employment in the tourism industry.

Minister Al Khateeb shared“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring Travel & Tourism is a key driver of social change.

“Our substantial investments in 2024, includes 375 million riyals for skills development training local tour guides who acquire deep knowledge of our nation's rich history and landscapes. Others are becoming entrepreneurs, focusing on creativity, leadership, and digital skills.

“In 2022, Saudi women's employment in tourism was the fifth fastest growing among G20 countries. The focus on localising services, in areas like AlUla and Diriyah, has created new opportunities for women in heritage tourism jobs. Through stronger partnerships, tourism can transform into a vehicle for inclusive development, creating a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.”

This joint report calls for urgent action to address these disparities and maximise the sector’s potential as a driver of inclusive growth.

Key areas of focus for governments and the tourism industry sector include:

• Develop policies for skills training and gender equality

• Enhance job opportunities for women and youth

• Invest in education and leadership programmes

• Implement inclusive hiring practices and equal pay

• Support flexible work arrangements and childcare

• Promote entrepreneurship through support for start-ups and small businesses

‘Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment’ serves as a clarion call to governments and businesses worldwide: to prioritise the inclusion of women and youth in the workforce, to invest in their skills and future, and to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared by all.

To read the report in full, please visit WTTC Research Hub