Women's empowerment has become a crucial component of sustainable tourism development in tourist destinations. Meanwhile, achieving gender equality and empowering women constitutes the fifth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda (UN-SDGs). Since 2007, UNWTO has been working—through its Ethics, Culture, and Social Responsibility Department—in partnership with UN Women and a range of external partners across the globe, to bring gender issues to the forefront of the tourism sector, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment and encouraging member states to mainstream gender issues in their respective tourism policies. The present study aims to investigate the influence of women's empowerment on tourism development in India. The current study aims to investigate the perceptions of women's work in tourism and women's entrepreneurship as predictors of women's empowerment in the tourism sector. Limitations and directions for future research are also addressed.
TopIntroduction And Background Of The Study
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognizes the crucial role of empowering women in the tourism industry, aligning with the Fifth Sustainable Development Goal (UNWTO, 2020). Women constitute a valuable resource for any nation, yet they often face significant inequalities. Empowering women economically and socially is essential for achieving gender equality and inclusive development (UNWTO, 2020). The tourism sector, being a major industry worldwide, offers opportunities to promote women's empowerment and address broader societal issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and women's inclusion in leadership positions (Ateljevic et al., 2018).
The Indian government has acknowledged the need to prioritize women's development and empowerment within the tourism sector, shifting the focus from welfare to targeted initiatives (Gupta & Shah, 1999). As women comprise a significant proportion of the workforce in the tourism industry, their empowerment becomes crucial for sustainable development and the realization of human rights for all (UNWTO, 2020). Rural-based tourism activities in India have demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of socio-economic upliftment, decision-making within households, and increased participation in education (Slathia et al., 2015; Ambardar& Singh, 2017).
Although the concept of women's empowerment in tourism has gained attention in academic discourse, there is still a need for further research to fully understand its implications and potential (Connell &Rugendyke, 2016; Stoyanova et al., 2021). The existing literature highlights the multifaceted nature of women's empowerment and its various dimensions, including economic empowerment, access to education, and political participation (Cobanoglu et al., 2019). Additionally, the empowerment of women in the tourism industry can be seen through their increased control over natural resources and their active involvement in decision-making processes (UNWTO, 2011).
This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by showcasing positive practices and exploring the link between women's empowerment and tourism development. By examining successful initiatives, the study will shed light on how women's empowerment in the tourism sector can address broader societal issues, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and equal opportunities (Sofield, 2017). Through an empirical analysis, this research will provide valuable insights into the impact of psychological empowerment on women's empowerment through tourism involvement.
In conclusion, women's empowerment in the tourism industry is crucial for achieving sustainable development and the United Nations' gender equality goals. The Indian context offers opportunities to explore and promote women's empowerment through tourism, addressing various societal challenges. By examining the existing literature, showcasing positive practices, and conducting empirical research, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of women's empowerment in the context of tourism development.