First, the not-so-sunny news: Women continue to get the short end of the stick in tourism and hospitality. A recent white paper by Hospitality Industry Pipeline Coalition said that although women hold seven in 10 jobs in tourism and hospitality, fewer than four are in top managerial roles, and fewer than two in general management.
Yet there are rays of bright light in this gloomy overview.
AccorHotels has launched Women at Accor Generation across its 3,600 hotels in 92 countries. It supports mentorship and training programs to help females climb the advancement ladder, as well to improve the workplace for its women employees. The company has committed to having at least 35 percent female general managers by the end of this year, with a goal of 50 percent in the future.
Equally impressive is Accor’s leadership in the Middle East. Last year, it hosted the “Women Empowerment and Integration Forum” in Saudi Arabia, to encourage young Saudi women to strive for managerial roles.
“As the leading hotel operator in Saudi Arabia, with 20 hotels and 40 in development, we are committed to empowering young female talent, enhancing their skills and helping them reach their full potential within the workplace,” Amar Belgat, director of human resources and training at AccorHotels Saudi Arabia and Egypt, told Hotel Management.
Another role model in hospitality is Banyan Tree Holding Limited, which operates more than 40 resorts and hotels, 60 spas, 70 retail galleries and three championship golf courses in 28 countries. As well as being an acknowledged leader in environmental sustainability, this company truly walks the talk when it comes to merit-based promotions. In global top management, there are 31 women and 43 men, and among nonhotel-based heads of department, there are 83 women and 91 men.
