Sun, Sand and Ceilings 2025: Women in Tourism and Hospitality Boardrooms
The third edition of Sun, Sand and Ceilings analyses the representation of women in leadership roles across four key industry sectors. We compare the data to our 2013 and 2018 reports, as well as presenting the business case for improving gender equality and a 10-step action plan for organisations to implement change.
Key Findings:
- Women now hold 33% of tourism board positions - a 10 percentage point jump since 2018 and more than double the 15.8% recorded in 2013
- Industry falls short of 50% gender balance target set in 2018, highlighting persistent barriers in a sector where women comprise 54% of the workforce
- The airlines, carriers and cruise sector showed the biggest gains, with female representation up 16% since 2018
- Two of the 28 tour operators analysed still have all-male boards
- Companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profits
The report includes a 10-step action plan with practical strategies for tourism organisations to advance gender equality, including gender audits, mentoring programs, and transparent target setting.
About Equality in Tourism International
International non-profit Equality in Tourism champions gender equality in global travel and tourism by raising awareness of challenges, facilitating change and celebrating best practice. They envision a just, equal sector enabling women and their communities to thrive globally and locally. Their work spans four pillars: impact projects, training and consultation, research and the pioneering Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award.
