A new index designed to monitor the role of women in the upper echelons of the travel industry has been launched.
The study will be conducted on an annual basis by Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) with the aim of highlighting the gender make-up of travel companies at a senior level.
The first Women in Travel Empowerment Index revealed that there had been an increase in the number of women holding senior positions in UK travel firms.
The cruise sector, which had 15% of its board made up of women in 2005, has seen that figure rise to 29% in 2015. Tour operators have also seen an increase in female directors from 10% in 2005 to 20% in 2015.
Debbee Dale, AWTE chair said: “There has not been any definitive study on the role of women in travel and so any debate has been based on anecdotes or gut feel.
“Our Empowerment Index will put some actual statistics against a more meaningful debate and the interviews will add real insight too. We intend now to undertake the survey annually to create a real benchmark for the role and influence of women in the travel sector."