Women Rise in Business Travel Industry, Yet Barriers Persist

As revealed in a recent study by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), women are gaining ground in the business travel sector, both as industry professionals and as travelers themselves. However, a persistent gender gap in senior leadership roles overshadows these advancements.

The GBTA study reveals that women form the majority of professionals on both the buyer and supplier sides of the travel industry. Women represent 67% of travel managers and buyers and account for 57% of GBTA-affiliated travel suppliers and travel management company professionals. However, the data shows that women are less represented in senior executive roles, with only 39% of Vice Presidents or Executives at travel suppliers and TMCs being women, compared to 61% who are men.

Interestingly, the study also sheds light on women’s role as business travelers. While women tend to travel less frequently for work than men, they often blend business and leisure travel, a trend known as ‘bleisure.’ Furthermore, women highly value traveling for work to achieve their goals, with a strong focus on attending training and seminars.

Despite these positive trends, the study identifies a significant challenge – the lack of leadership development programs for women. Only 37% of travel supplier companies surveyed reported having such programs in place. Addressing this disparity will be crucial for promoting gender equity in the industry.

The data underscores the importance of women in shaping the future of business travel. As Delphine Millot, GBTA Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Sustainability and Managing Director for the GBTA Foundation, states, “Addressing the challenges and opportunities that women face will be key. We are committed to supporting the advancement of talented women whose leadership is paramount in creating an inclusive and innovative industry.”

While women continue to make significant strides in the business travel sector, considerable work remains to promote gender equity in senior leadership roles and support women’s career advancement. An industry that values and promotes the contributions of women at all levels will undoubtedly thrive in the years to come.