PATADaily.id - Jakarta -

Women in Tourism

By : Adharta Ongkosaputra
Chairman of KRIS

Golden Sense 
April 17, 2025

I would like to take this opportunity to express great appreciation for Mr Johnnie Sugiarto the Chairmam of the El John Foundatiom 
For being invited to attend The Coronation of Miss Tourism Indonesia 2025
Final approach by The High performance of Jury 

My introduction
Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, and women play a crucial role in it. 

From hospitality and transportation to entrepreneurship and community based initiatives, 

Women contribute significantly at all levels of the tourism value chain. However, despite their vital contributions, women often face significant barriers in the sector.

Current Role of Women in Tourism

Representation
Women make up around 54% of the global tourism workforce, especially in hotels, travel agencies, and food services.

Informal Sectors
Many women work in informal or seasonal roles without social protection, job security, or upward mobility.

Cultural Ambassadors
Women often serve as cultural carriers, especially in heritage, arts, and traditional crafts, which are central to tourism experiences.

Challenges Faced by Women :
Gender Pay Gap.
Women are often paid less than their male counterparts for the same work.

Leadership Gap. While women dominate the workforce, they are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions.

Lack of Training
Many women lack access to professional trainings, language skills, and business resources.

Work-Life Balance
Women often bear the dual burden of paid work and unpaid domestic responsibilities.

Opportunities for Empowerment & Entrepreneurship
Tourism offers opportunities for women to start small businesses in tourism

Digital Platforms
Online travel platforms enable women to market their services globally (example  Airbnb, Viator, ticket.com etc).

Community Tourism
Women lead many sustainable tourism initiatives, promoting both gender equality and cultural preservation.

Policy Support
Government and international organizations are launching programs to promote women’s participation in tourism leadership and entrepreneurship

Case Studies & Success Stories :

India
Women-run homestays in Ladakh and Sikkim have gained popularity for authentic cultural experiences.

Kenya
The "Women’s Safari" initiative promotes women-led wildlife tours and conservation efforts.

Morocco
Female guides are breaking gender norms by leading heritage tours in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Indonesia
Women in Bali are using tourism to revive traditional crafts and generate income for rural families.

Global Initiatives :
UNWTO
The United Nations World Tourism Organization promotes gender equality through its Tourism and Gender initiative.

UN Women
Supports capacity-building projects and research in gender and tourism.

SheTrades
Connects women entrepreneurs to global markets, including tourism-related services.

Conclusion :
Empowering women in tourism not only promotes gender equality but also enhances the quality and sustainability of the tourism industry. 

As tourism recovers and evolves post-COVID-19, inclusive practices and policies can ensure women have an equal stake in its growth.

I'm very happy tonight because I can witness firsthand how women can play a role in the development of the nation and the State of Indonesia.

I hope that in the future, all of us can actively participate in the world of tourism in such a way that we can contribute to national development

We love Indonesia

Adharta
www.kris.or.id