WOMEN constitute a very large talent pool that is currently under-utilised by the tourism and hospitality sector in Asia-Pacific, according to the findings of a white paper launched at the Women in Tourism and Hospitality Forum in Hong Kong last week.
Women in Tourism and Hospitality: Unlocking the Potential in the Talent Pool aims to raise awareness of the potential of women and promote workplace gender equality in the hospitality sector.
Tom Baum, one of the researchers and a professor at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, said at the press conference: “Statistics show that while 70 per cent of employees in the hospitality industry are women, less than 40 per cent of management positions are held by women, with only 20 per cent at general manager level. Obviously, female talent is grossly under-represented at the higher levels.”
Based on 10 case studies that resulted from in-depth conversations held with 12 companies mainly in Asia-Pacific plus input from some companies beyond the region, Baum recommended: “Collaborative efforts from private organisations, government and employees are vital. Stakeholders need to invest and get involved.”
Welcoming the findings, Irene Lin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts director of distribution, loyalty and partnerships, shared: “We have 74,500 associates in Starwood Asia-Pacific, and only 42 per cent are women, 38 per cent are women executives, while only 12 per cent are at general manager level.”
The research project, which kicked off last November, was produced by the Hospitality Industry Pipeline Coalition and led by drinks company Diageo.
