Women hold just 3% of jobs in tourism's biggest transport sector, global study finds

Commissioned by UN Tourism and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the Global Report on Women in Tourism Transport is the first worldwide study to map women's participation across air, land and water passenger transport industries. The report draws on data from 99 countries and finds persistent barriers that continue to limit women's access to jobs, career progression and leadership positions across the sector. 

The research found that women remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership and board-level positions across all transport industries where data is available. It also identified major gender imbalances throughout the workforce: 

• In air passenger transport, women make up 36 per cent of employees, but only six per cent of pilots.  
• In water passenger transport, women account for just 12 per cent of the workforce.  
• In land passenger transport, women represent only three per cent of workers, despite this sector accounting for 96 per cent of all tourism transport employment.  

These findings highlight the persistent barriers facing women across the transport sector, particularly in operational and leadership roles. 

The report identifies a range of barriers facing women, including limited STEM education for girls and women, discriminatory workplace cultures, gender stereotypes, limited career progression opportunities, safety concerns, harassment and a lack of suitable workplace facilities. 

Researchers also found that the shortage of sex-disaggregated data is hampering efforts to improve gender equality across the sector. 

Dr Anke Winchenbach, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Transport at the University of Surrey and lead author of the report, said: 

"Tourism transport is fundamental to the global tourism economy, yet women remain significantly underrepresented across many of its industries. Our research shows that progress towards gender equality is uneven and that structural barriers continue to prevent many women from entering and advancing within transport careers. 

"Addressing these challenges is not simply a question of fairness. Creating more inclusive workplaces would help tackle labour shortages, strengthen businesses and improve outcomes for passengers, communities and economies worldwide.” 

The report highlights evidence that increasing women's participation in transport could generate substantial economic benefits. Previous studies suggest that reducing the gender participation gap in transport by 25 per cent could increase global GDP by nearly four per cent. The researchers also note that more diverse workforces can improve innovation, service quality and business performance. 

To accelerate progress, the report sets out recommendations across five key areas: gender-responsive laws and policies, safer and healthier working environments, improved education and leadership opportunities, stronger data collection and reporting, and greater collaboration between governments, employers and industry organisations. 

Dr Winchenbach continued:  

“Our research shows that focused action from governments and industry can make a real difference to decent work, women empowerment and gender equality. UN Tourism and the International Transport Workers' Federation's Action Plan for Women in Tourism Transport gives governments and businesses a roadmap to increase and improve opportunities for women workers in tourism transport.” 

Professor Albert Kimbu, Professor of Sustainability in Business at the University of Surrey and co-author of the report, said: 

"Transport underpins tourism, connecting people, places and opportunities. Ensuring women can participate equally in this sector is essential if we are to build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism industry." 

[ENDS] 

Notes to editors 

• Interview opportunities are available with Dr Anke Winchenbach and Professor Albert Kimbu from the University of Surrey. Please contact mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk to arrange.
• Publication: Global Report on Women in Tourism Transport (UN Tourism and International Transport Workers' Federation).