WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Women empowerment is an objective of Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030, especially in the tourism and hospitality sector. However, little information about women empowerment in the sector is known. To fulfil the gap, this study examined the impact of perception of socioeconomic, perception of gender equality and perception of sociocultural on women empowerment in the tourism and hospitality sector. To check the aim and validity of the study, data were collected from 306 Saudi women employed in the Saudi tourism and hospitality sector through an online survey. The data were analysed applying factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha, comparative means, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney Test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Women believe that there are some jobs that are more appropriate for women than men. Women will not be given equal employment opportunities and privileges men receive as well as they have a moderate belief that they are given their right to supervisory and administrative positions as men are given. The respondents think that undesirable attitudes regarding Saudi women's empowerment in the tourism and hospitality sector will be changed and undermine soon. Also, they think that working in the sector has a moderate negative impact on women's health and family obligations, such as taking care of their children. Finally, respondents revealed that women are not given the same respect men receive and the salary paid to women is unfair compared to men. In addition, women are not given the right to make decisions as men are given.