Research by the Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure 2020 report found women typically comprise 26% of senior management positions in the hospitality, travel and leisure sector, but the figure slipped to only 20% when human resources roles are excluded.

Travel companies are reportedly the best performers in terms of gender diversity, with 30% of women in senior management roles, compared to airlines with just 21%.

However while women were reported as being well represented in junior and middle management roles, a gap emerges in gender balance for middle management roles upwards.

According to the report this is due in part to unconscious bias, a “blokey culture" within the sector, a poor record in managing the talent pipeline and a lack of confidence amongst women to ask for promotion.

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