How Inclusive Is the Hospitality Sector?

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Friday, 1 September 2023

Hospitality is big business!

The WTTC report released in 2020 recognized hospitality and allied services as one of the most swiftly developing industries in India. It contributes about 6.8 percent of India’s total GDP and employs close to 39 million people. While the global pandemic jolted the industry to come to a standstill for a while, yet wheels of growth were set in motion soon after. But with all the growth at the anvil, the hospitality sector is plagued by the gender equality challenge in its top echelons. Although women make a up a significant portion of the total workforce in hospitality, yet their roles are mostly confined to entry level and lower rung positions. Women accounted up around 54% of the entire workforce in the travel and tourism sector found the WTTC report.

Women continue to be grossly underrepresented in the top leadership and decision-making roles. Hardly 1 in 20 CEOs in hospitality is female. But research suggests that we are moving towards making amends. According to data from Castell Project's latest Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership report, the number of women senior executives, women on the podium and women owners in hospitality saw an increase between 2019 and 2021. Our only hope is that the pace of growth picks up and women leaders find an equal footing in the burgeoning sector. The time was right for Women Entrepreneur to shine the well-deserved spotlight on women leaders making waves in the hospitality sector. This is exactly what the current edition of WE magazine focuses on.

On the cover of the magazine, we have Aditi Chordia, Co-Founder, Alt Homes. Having done a BA in Psychology Hons from LSR and an MA from the TISS, Aditi is currently leading a team of 20+ members across the field of marketing, interior design, hospitality, sustainability and social work. With their support, she has set out on a mission to make vacations for travelers luxurious and comfortable as well as more conscious, sustainable and experiential. Dhivya Ramesh, MD & Founder, Athulya Hotels is another seasoned professional featured in the current magazine edition. With a rich background, she has contributed her expertise to esteemed global establishments including Taj Hotels Coromandel, The Park Hotels, Emirates Harbor Hotels & Spa, and Courtyard by Marriott, carving a remarkable path in the hospitality industry.

The professional journey of visionary leader, Mary Rodrigues, MD, Southern Holdings & Investments, is also featured in the magazine. Mary is a leader in the hospitality industry with more than four decades of experience. As the owner of a 4-star hotel and a thriving food distribution business in the Andaman Islands, she empowers her team, embraces change, and navigates challenges with unwavering trust and ethical standards.

Gaytri Bajaj, MD, Suryavilas Luxury Resort and Spa, is one more of the worthy women leaders featured in the coveted list. Gaytriis a trailblazing leader in the hospitality industry, known for her resilience, determination, and dedication to promoting women's empowerment and leadership. With her extensive experience and visionary mindset, she is driving positive change and breaking barriers in the industry. Read on to know more about these change makers from the Indian hospitality sector.

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