Despite advancements for women at some destinations and brands, significant inequality persists in tourism sector. Women continue to be paid less and are underrepresented in certain tourism occupations and management levels. Women in tourism are more likely to be undertaking part-time, informal, seasonal, agency, and casual work; they are also more likely to be victims of sexual exploitation from tourism.

This paper explains the rationale for integrating a gender lens into tourism development projects. It also includes a set of resources designed to help development professionals and project managers get started and find necessary data. It paper paves the way for more in-depth operational research and data collection on what works for empowering women in the tourism sector.