WTTC Urges Action to Boost Employment for Women, Youth in Travel Sector

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, has released a new report titled “Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment,” highlighting the pandemic’s significant impact on women and youth in the sector. The study covers employment trends in 185 economies from 2019 to 2022, emphasizing the role of travel and tourism as a driver of economic growth and social progress.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 70 million jobs were lost in the global travel and tourism sector, with women and young workers bearing the brunt of the impact. While the industry has rebounded, the report reveals that, in 2022, the sector employed 42 million women and 16 million young people—down from 48.4 million women and nearly 19 million youth in 2019. This disparity highlights an ongoing challenge in fully recovering jobs for these underrepresented groups.

Despite the sector's 2023 economic recovery, which saw a 29.1% increase in GDP contribution compared to pre-pandemic levels, social recovery has lagged. Women and young people are still more likely to hold informal, part-time, or low-wage jobs, with limited security or growth potential. WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson stressed the urgent need for action to address these inequalities, calling for investments in skills, inclusive policies, and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable employment.

The report also shows a persistent gender gap in leadership positions and wages within the industry. Young workers, who represent a larger share of the travel and tourism workforce, face significant challenges in securing stable employment, further highlighting the sector's need for targeted reforms.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting female and youth employment, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals. With substantial investments in skills development and localized services, particularly in heritage tourism, Saudi Arabia has made strides in creating new opportunities for women and young people.

Al Khateeb noted that in 2022, Saudi women’s employment in tourism was the fifth fastest growing among G20 nations. He highlighted that partnerships and innovative policies could turn tourism into a powerful tool for inclusive development, helping to create a more equitable future for all.