Women Set the Course in Travel Journalism: A Growing Phenomenon

Travel journalism has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, not only in terms of the topics covered and the dissemination formats, but also in the composition of those practicing it. A notable fact within the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) is that, of its 632 members, the majority are women (67%). This phenomenon is not isolated and reflects a broader trend: the growing presence and leadership of women in tourism and travel journalism.

The Rise of Women in Travel Journalism

Travel journalism has traditionally been an area dominated by male voices, especially in more visible and decision-making roles. However, in recent decades, women have gained ground, becoming the protagonists of travel narratives and exploring new ways of telling the world from a more inclusive, diverse perspective with a different sensitivity towards destinations and their communities.

Several factors have driven this trend:

Access to Education and Professionalization: Women have gained access to journalism and communication training at higher levels. Many have found in travel journalism an opportunity to combine their passion for writing, photography, video, and travel with a focus on research and storytelling.

Digital Empowerment and Social Media: Digital platforms have allowed more women to express themselves without relying on traditional media. Blogs, podcasts, Instagram, and TikTok have been key tools for female journalists and content creators to develop their voice and expand their audience.

More Empathetic and Sustainable Approaches: Women in travel journalism have contributed to giving greater visibility to issues such as sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, accessible tourism, and the social impact of the sector. Their narratives tend to highlight local culture, history, and the experiences of the inhabitants of destinations in a deeper and more thoughtful way.

Support Networks and Recognition: The consolidation of spaces like the WTJO has been fundamental to the professionalization and recognition of women in travel journalism. Such networks allow for the creation of opportunities, training, and collaborations between journalists from different parts of the world.

Breaking Barriers and Challenging Stereotypes

Despite the growth in numbers and visibility, women in tourism journalism continue to face challenges. The tourism sector, like many others, still presents inequalities in terms of recognition and leadership opportunities. Additionally, travel journalism is often linked to a misconception that it is a solitary or risky profession for women, creating additional obstacles.

However, female journalists have managed to redefine the profession, creating spaces for exchange, training, and recognition. From travel chronicles to investigative tourism journalism, they have succeeded in building their own voice and consolidating their presence in a field that increasingly recognizes them as leaders.

The Future of Travel Journalism with a Gender Perspective

The predominance of women in WTJO is not only a reflection of the present but also a sign of the future of travel journalism. Their active and majority participation drives the evolution of the sector, promoting more humanized approaches, diverse perspectives, and a different way of conceiving travel and its storytelling.

This phenomenon is not only about numbers but also a paradigm shift. Female presence in travel journalism is no longer an exception but a norm that is redefining how we narrate the world and how we travel.

In a context where gender equity is a key objective in all professional fields, tourism journalism can be an example of positive transformation. WTJO, with its female majority, is a testimony to the impact and relevance of women in this specialization, demonstrating that tourism and its narratives are, more and more, a space of plurality and diversity.

Miguel Ledhesma