The project is being headed by Dr Menna Jones, from the University of Greenwich, who will be hosting focus groups around the UK to examine what women think about their opportunities to move up to executive level roles in the industry.

Dr Jones wants to hear from both women and men working in the travel industry about equality in the workplace.

“It does not matter what type of organisation you work for, we would be interested in hearing your thoughts. We also want to hear from men – how you perceive opportunities available to women in your workplace is also relevant,” explained Dr Jones.

“Your involvement in a focus group would give the research team an opportunity to understand your thoughts on skills required for leadership roles, and how support could be made available that would be recognised in the industry.”

The first focus groups will be held at Ulster University in Belfast on May 24 and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow on May 29 – both groups will run from 12.00 to 14.30.

Further sessions will be held in Birmingham, Cardiff and London in late May or early June.

Dr Jones previously worked with the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) on a report looking at the status of women in the UK travel and tourism industry.

Food and drink will be provided at the focus groups while travel will be reimbursed up to the value of £10.

Those interested in taking part in the research should contact Dr Jones at m.t.jones@gre.ac.uk