UN Tourism and ITF launch action plan to improve gender equality in tourism transport

International

New global report highlights persistent barriers for women across aviation, land and water transport

UN Tourism and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have unveiled the first global report examining women's participation in tourism transport, calling for coordinated action to address long-standing gender inequalities across the sector. The Global Report on Women in Tourism Transport presents the first international evidence based on sex-disaggregated data and outlines an action plan aimed at improving employment opportunities, working conditions and leadership prospects for women.

Women remain underrepresented across the sector

The report reveals significant gender imbalances throughout tourism transport. Women account for 36% of the aviation workforce but represent only 6% of airline pilots, while technical, flight deck and senior management positions continue to be dominated by men.

Land passenger transport, which employs 96% of all tourism transport workers, shows the widest gender gap, with women making up only 3% of the workforce. In water passenger transport, women account for just 12% of employees and remain significantly underrepresented in technical and managerial roles.

The study also highlights broader structural challenges. Safety concerns, inadequate sanitation facilities and limited legal protections continue to restrict women's participation. According to the report, one in five countries still lacks legal protection against workplace harassment.

Three-year partnership to drive change

To address these challenges, UN Tourism and ITF have agreed on a three-year work programme to implement the report's Action Plan for Women in Tourism Transport. The initiative will bring together governments, employers, trade unions and industry partners to promote gender-responsive policies, improve working conditions, expand training and leadership opportunities, and strengthen data collection and reporting.

"This report gives us the data to act with precision, not good intentions alone. Our responsibility now is to ensure that the women who keep this industry moving are also able to help lead it," said UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais.

ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton added: "Launching this report is not the end of the story, it is the beginning. ITF and UN Tourism have made a joint commitment to work with governments, employers, unions and industry partners to tackle the inequalities that persist across tourism transport. Our focus now is turning evidence into action."