Impact of Tourism Industry on Women Empowerment in India

Abstract

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been working towards enhancing the role of tourism to achieve the SDG 5 of gender equality and women empowerment. According to UNWTO, globally women have been the backbone of the tourism sector but have been lowly paid and remained a part of disguised unemployment in family businesses.

World Trade and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports in ‘India’s Travel & Tourism could surpass pre-pandemic level by the end of 2022’, that the travel and tourism industry in India has grown from $ 173 billion in 2013 to $ 220 billion in 2018, prior to the pandemic. However, the industry was significantly impacted by the pandemic. Tourism and travel are contact-intensive sectors; thus, jobs were severely impacted. Post-pandemic there has been a revival of the tourism sector with increase in demand from tourists both domestically and internationally. Further, the Central and State Government schemes and industry investment initiatives, have given a boost to tourism in India which will serve as a growth driver for the economy.

Tourism industry which contributes around 5% to the GDP of India and has the potential to improve the lives of the people with its trickle-down effect and provide employment opportunities in different regions and to a diverse workforce, especially women. The WTTC estimates, tourism in India is projected to earn $ 459 billion (forecast) by 2029. At both global and national level, post pandemic, there is an endeavor to bridge the gender disparity in tourism by focusing on education and training of women, building community level schemes, employment, and entrepreneurship initiatives, which with policy support will lead to an inclusive and resilient growth.

The aim of this research paper is to critically analyze the participation of women in the tourism industry in India, to evaluate the Government and Industry initiatives to support women empowerment and examine the scope of employment opportunities for women in the tourism sector. After a literature review, a research gap was identified in understanding the role of tourism industry in enabling women empowerment. Data for the study has been collected from government and non-government resources, the Economic Survey, budget documents along with research papers, journals, websites and news articles. The study analyses the share of tourism and travel in the GDP, allocation of tourism budget and women empowerment schemes in India.  The research paper looks at the growth potential of tourism in the country and its impact on women. Further,  it assesses the impact of G-20 presidency as a unique opportunity to put India not only on the global map as a tourist destination but also highlight the role played by women in the tourism sector.

Data analysis tools including correlational analysis, descriptive statistics along with PESTEL Analysis framework, SWOC Analysis and ABCD Analysis framework were used to examine clear trends. The study highlights the importance of Government and industry initiatives in positioning India as a specialized tourist destination, how the tourism industry is employing women and helping to bridge the gender gap.