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London- In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released a new report revealing the heavy toll of the pandemic on women and youth jobs in the global travel and tourism sector.
The pandemic had a devastating impact globally, causing around 70 million people to lose their jobs. Women and youth were disproportionately affected, as they typically hold jobs more vulnerable to global disruptions, including hospitality and food services.
The report, titled "Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment," sheds light on the sharp decline in women and youth employment due to the pandemic. In 2019, the travel and tourism sector supported 48.4 million women and around 19 million young people. Meanwhile, the sector provided jobs for 42 million women and 16.1 million youth globally in 2022.
Despite most countries reopening their borders to international travelers, women's employment rates in the travel and tourism sector in 2022 remained 13% lower than 2019 levels -- equivalent to 6.4 million jobs -- as did youth employment, which saw a 15% decrease, equivalent to 2.8 million jobs.
While the sector remains a crucial source of employment for underrepresented groups, the report emphasizes the need for further efforts to ensure a comprehensive and equitable recovery from the pandemic.
The report examines employment trends in 185 countries from 2019 to 2022 and emphasizes the travel and tourism sector's potential as a significant driver of economic growth and inclusive social progress.
According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) data from the WTTC, the contribution of the travel and tourism sector to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 increased by 29.1% compared to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing the global average, which remains 4.1% lower. Despite this strong economic recovery, social recovery lags behind, especially for women and young people who are more likely to be in informal, part-time, or low-wage jobs with limited job security and opportunities for career advancement.
The report also highlights the low representation of women in high-paying and leadership positions within the travel and tourism sector, mirroring the gender distribution of jobs in the overall economy. Additionally, young people, who comprise a larger proportion of the global workforce, face challenges securing stable employment.
"This report emphasizes the tremendous potential of the travel and tourism sector to drive inclusive growth. However, it also highlights 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 development, promoting inclusive policies, and encouraging entrepreneurship, we can unleash the full potential of these groups and ensure our sector leads in creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities,” said WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson.
For his part, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb welcomed the results of the joint report and affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting the employment of youth and women in the tourism sector. "Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom's dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change,” he said.
"In 2024, we have dedicated substantial funds to the tourism sector, including $100 million for skills development and training for workers at all levels, from entry to leadership. Specialized programs will be provided for local guides to gain comprehensive knowledge of our rich history and natural wonders. Additionally, over 50,000 training opportunities have been earmarked for women,” the minister said.
Al-Khateeb elaborated that Saudi women have achieved significant milestones in the tourism sector in the Kingdom, with their participation rate reaching 42% in 2024. According to the World Tourism Organization's definition, Saudi women achieved a participation rate of 46% in sectors related to the visitor journey, and their participation rate in leadership positions in the tourism sector in the Kingdom reached 22%. These statistics demonstrate the supportive role played by the Saudi government in empowering and backing Saudi women in all areas.
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