Analysing the Gender Dimensions of Tourism as a Development Strategy

For several decades, the relationship between tourism and development has been explored in the discipline of tourism studies and in policy-making circles. However, very little research has been carried out into the gender dimensions of this relationship. This paper is a first attempt to unpack some of the issues involved in such an undertaking, and to provide an overview of some of the key empirical areas that need to be taken into account for further research. Using the third Millennium Development Goal – gender equality and women’s empowerment – as its focus, this paper explores this theme from a critical perspective informed by feminist approaches to development. Combining literature reviews, analysis of policy documents and primary research this paper aims to provide an overview of the potential of tourism to contribute to the gender equality and women’s empowerment, and the tensions and complexities that this presents. It concludes by offering some tentative policy recommendations and an agenda for future research.