ASSIGNMENT

Do you agree with Michelle Bachelet, UN Executive Director of UN Women that tourism is a force for good in promoting gender equality and for the empowerment of women?

Do you agree with Michelle Bachelet, UN Executive Director of UN Women that tourism is a force for good in promoting gender equality and for the empowerment of women?

Introduction

This paper aims to better understand the role and the dynamic nature of the Events, Hospitality and Tourism (TH&E) Industry at a global level, through different facets to best answer the main assignment question stated above. Through, this discussion a better understanding would be gained regarding the role and relationship that tourism plays in promoting gender equality and women empowerment.

Understanding Global Tourism Industry

Cumulatively, Tourism, Hospitality and Events (TH&E) Industry is one of the key economic sector of any country. Where, in certain regions TH&E industry is a major contributor to the national income of a country (Dredge et.al, 2012). For example, Tourism in China, Egypt, Australia and Spain amongst numerous other, is a major service exporter of these countries. Hence, TH&E industry is giving new meaning to people and places, while adding to the cultural and environmental resources and playing a key role in promoting peace and cultural awareness at a global level.

Similarly, Service Skills Australia (2011) report shares that Tourism and hospitality businesses are a frontline of Australia's economy providing different leisure and personal services to domestic and international consumers. However, any local TH&E industry is highly sensitive to any changes in the consumer's demands and preferences and the many more factors influencing the global tourism sector. These would be discussed in more detail later in this paper. The TH&E industry is composed of various tourism and hospitality businesses such as accommodation, cafe, bars, restaurants, gaming, business or leisure events, conferences, tour operations, holiday parks and much more. Coupled with, several of markets functioning within these industries such as business travel, education travel and major event (such as Olympics) travel.

Key Facts

Some of the important facts highlighting the economic power of TH&E industry at a global level as highlighted by the WorldTravel & Tourism Council (Wttc.org., 2013) are highlighted as below:

Contribution to Global GDP was worth USD 2 trillion in 2012 and is expected to rise by 3.1% in 2013. This is highlighted in figure 1.

A major proportion of spending and investment in this sector is on the rise at a global level through the direct, indirect and induced spending and investment in this sector by individuals, industry and the government.

Generates revenue and income sources for different related businesses, such as wild-life conservation.

Figure 1: Contribution of Tourism Sector to the Global GDP levels

(Source: Wttc.org, 2013)

Discussion

Tourism and Women

As asked in the assignment question of this paper, the writer is in full agreement with the statement made by Ms. Michelle Bachelet, the UN Executive Director of UN Women division, that tourism is playing positive and a progressive role in promoting gender equality and women empowerment across different regions in the ...