Global Networks Help Women Advance In The Hospitality Industry

Forbes

a day ago

Women in hospitality are being assisted by global networks. Eric Sun Photography
The global hospitality industry, a behemoth sector with a market size of nearly $4.7 trillion annually, is projected to grow to $5.8 trillion by 2027, according to Forbes. The industry encompasses a wide range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants and various leisure activities. The industry is experiencing trends like increased personalization of guest experiences, the rise of "bleisure" travel (combining business and leisure) and the integration of new technologies like AI.
The US hospitality market is a significant part of the global industry, with a market size of $247 billion in 2025. The US leisure and hospitality sector employs around 17 million people, while the US hotel market was valued at $263.21 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $280.63 billion in 2025.
Women are gaining more spots at the podium each year. Lucas Savoie
The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) is the international community connecting the hospitality industry, providing scholarships, education, leadership development, recognition of excellence and business development opportunities. NEWH, Inc. recognizes the talent and ability of students and encourages involvement in all areas of the Hospitality, Foodservice and related fields through scholarships, seminars and educational programs. It's about Scholarship, Education and Business Networking.
The World Travel & Tourism Council is a global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism and promotes sustainable growth for the Travel & Tourism sector.
'These women are experienced, adaptable and people-focused,' says Esther Hertzfeld, Executive Editor of HOTEL MANAGEMENT. 'They don't hesitate to speak up and advocate for themselves and their teams. They also put themselves out there. You'll see them educating and advocating at industry events. They are also at the forefront of industry, whether they are in investment, operations, technology or anywhere else in the hospitality ecosphere.'
Sandy Banks, President, NEWH. NEWH
Forty-one years ago, several visionary women identified a need in the hospitality industry to address a lack of equality, inclusion and diversity and took necessary steps to form an organization that would support women and young people pursuing hospitality careers. NEWH, as it was known then, Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, was born.
Our mission is simple and powerful. NEWH is the international non-profit community connecting the Hospitality Industry, providing scholarships, education, leadership development and recognition of excellence. Forty one years later, we not only continue this mission, we have expanded it beyond women and young people to include people from all generations, genders, racial and cultural backgrounds who are underrepresented in the hospitality industry and as the demand for safe inclusive spaces increases in our world. NEWH proudly champions equity, inclusion and diversity across everything we do, from scholarships and education, to networking and membership. We have contributed to building a diverse, global community that champions inclusivity and belonging in the hospitality industry.
The testimonials from our scholarship recipients, those involved in our mentorship program and attendees of our Leadership Conferences confirm that we have built a platform that supports membership and participation from people of all backgrounds around the globe. We continue to work at maintaining crucial educational opportunities and providing programs that are inclusive and relevant to the survival of our hospitality industry. We are invested in being a lifeline for people of all ages, backgrounds and genders who are interested in excelling in the hospitality Industry. Why are inclusive cultures so vital for the hospitality industry?
In short, the hospitality industry spans the globe and touches all cultures, countries and humanity. We must have representation in all areas of our industry if we are going to be successful as a sector. Inclusivity is no longer optional, it is essential in today's world. Inclusion and diversity play a vital role in the success of businesses, the health of communities and the well being of cities and neighborhoods everywhere. Because the hospitality industry touches nearly every corner of life, through travel, lodging, dining and experiences, it carries an even bigger responsibility. Whether people are traveling by air, train or car, staying in hotels or airbnbs, cruising the seas or dining out, they are interacting in our industry. Our reach is global, and so is our impact. That is why we must be intentional and vigilant in curating environments that make people feel comfortable and that reflect our global diversity. Everyone deserves to feel welcome in the spaces we create.
Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO. WTTC Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, addressed trends and issues facing women in hospitality. Women are graduating from hospitality programs at high rates. What can you attribute this to?
We are a new generation of talent that views Travel & Tourism as a serious global employer with long-term career potential. The sector has evolved. It is increasingly recognized as a driver of economic growth, innovation and international engagement. This is attracting ambitious women who are looking for careers that are both dynamic and globally relevant.
At the same time, educational institutions have matured in how they present the sector: shifting from a purely service-oriented view to one focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and global mobility. That repositioning is critical. The demand for female leadership is rising across industries, and Travel & Tourism is no exception. The challenge now is to ensure that this strong pipeline translates into leadership at the top.
Gender equity should be embedded into succession planning. WTTC What will it take for women to reach parity at the executive levels in the hospitality industry?
It requires structural change. Parity will not be achieved through goodwill alone. It demands data-driven targets, leadership accountability, and a willingness to challenge legacy systems and mindsets that no longer serve the needs of a modern, high-growth sector.
Companies must take ownership of talent development at the executive level. This means embedding gender equity into succession planning, aligning incentives to performance on inclusion linked to results and ensuring that pathways to the C-suite are transparent and accessible. Gender-diverse leadership drives performance, innovation and resilience. The industry can no longer afford to treat this as optional.
Strong professional networks play a vital role for women in hospitality. WTTC The statistics reveal that more and more women are beginning to start their own hospitality businesses. Explain this growing trend.
Women are reshaping the hospitality sector through ventures that are agile, values-driven and globally connected. This shift reflects not only increased access to capital and technology, but also a determination to lead on their own terms.
Some, like Andrea Grisdale of IC Bellagio, have built exceptional businesses from the ground up, guided by a clear purpose and local expertise. Others, like Gloria Fluxà, have taken forward family enterprises while embedding sustainability and innovation at scale. These different paths reflect the breadth of leadership now shaping our sector.
Critically, mentorship and strong professional networks play a vital role. Women who have access to experienced guidance and supportive peer communities are more likely to lead, grow and overcome structural barriers. Empowering more women to connect, share and support one another is essential to sustaining this momentum. Forbes UHNWIs Opt For Safaris In Exclusive And Restricted Locations By Roger Sands Forbes Pakistan's Ski Terrain May Be The Sport's Best Kept Secret By Roger Sands