Honoring Women’s Equality Day: Reflecting on Progress, Leading with Purpose
Women’s Equality Day is observed in the United States each year on August 26, commemorating the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote. It’s a fitting moment to recognize how far we’ve come – and how much further we still must go in the travel and hospitality sectors.
While women make up more than half of the hospitality workforce in the U.S., they remain underrepresented in leadership. Despite gains, only around 30 percent of leadership roles are held by women. At the very top, the gap widens: women make up only 6 percent of hospitality CEOs.
Here are some signs of progress worth celebrating:
- More Women at the Table
Women now hold 33 percent of board seats in tourism organizations, up from just 16 percent in 2013 – marking meaningful progress, though full parity remains a goal. - Boardroom Gains in Hotels
Women occupied 31.3 percent of independent board seats at publicly traded hotel companies in 2022 – up from 22.5 percent in 2021 – and 67 percent of new board directors that year were women, signaling continued momentum in diversifying hotel boards. - Women Shaping Travel Trends
In the United States, women make approximately 82 percent of travel decisions. Globally, they account for around 57 percent of adventure-travel bookings, shaping demand for more inclusive, safe and purpose-driven experiences. - Opening Doors to Ownership
Industry initiatives – such as Wyndham’s Women Own the Room and Hilton’s Unlocking Doors – are expanding access for women to become hotel owners by providing capital assistance, training and supportive networks. - Leading with Values
The rise of regenerative and purpose-driven hospitality continues to broaden opportunities for women to lead in sustainability, wellness and community-first travel experiences. - Women-Run Ventures Driving Change
Hotels like The Adelphi Hotel (Saratoga Springs, NY) and Hotel Figueroa (Los Angeles, CA), both led by women, are reshaping expectations for guest experience and modeling equity in action.
This day is more than a celebration – it’s a call for action. Let’s keep advancing equity by:
- Mentoring and sponsoring women into leadership
- Elevating women-led ventures that defy norms
- Designing inclusive workplace cultures and guest experiences
- Engaging as allies to dismantle systemic barriers
By being part of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, you’re not just joining a community – you’re contributing to the progress, purpose and lasting impact shaping the future of our industry.
Not a member yet? Apply today to join the movement.
