Gender justice in global tourism: exploring tourism transformation through the lens of feminist alternative economics

Abstract

Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Women make up the majority of tourism and hospitality workers and are bearing the brunt of the impact of COVID-19. Evidence suggests that women’s economic and productive lives will be disproportionately and differently affected, with the economic impacts lingering for many years after the end of the pandemic. Feminist political economics critiques the intertwined neo-liberal, patriarchal, capitalist structures, which are deemed to be at the root of the global crises society is facing. Using a critical, feminist perspective, this conceptual article explores alternative economic approaches. We suggest a Feminist Alternative Tourism Economics (FATE) approach, embracing an integration of Feminist Ethic of Care, Social Solidarity Economy and Human Rights Based Economy, critiqued through the lens of decolonisation, could present an alternative pathway to achieving a more gender just society and tourism system. We argue a focus on feminist values of care, solidarity and Human Rights could provide a chance for tackling major global climate and pandemic emergencies by reducing crisis vulnerability and increasing resilience and sustainability.