Empowering Women’s Participation in Malaysia’s Tourism Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

The tourism industry in Malaysia has experienced a significant transformation, with women taking on increasingly pivotal roles and catalysing growth across various economic sectors. Various initiatives and activities have been implemented to empower women within the travel and tourism sector. This study endeavours to explore the motivating factors that drive women's engagement in the field of tourism, aligning with Malaysia's broader strategy to encourage entrepreneurship among its citizens. A nationwide survey was conducted, drawing responses from participants across Malaysia, with 384 individuals successfully completing an online questionnaire. The data gathered were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 29.0, which provides a comprehensive platform for handling the entire statistical analysis process, including data preparation, analysis, and reporting. This study specifically delved into the relationship between leadership, well-being, digitization, and women's participation in the tourism industry using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results underscore a statistically significant association between these factors and women's active involvement in the tourism sector. Through the findings of this study, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between skills and training, leadership, well-being, and digitization in shaping women's participation and contribution to the dynamic landscape of the tourism industry in Malaysia. The insights generated from this research can guide policy makers, businesses, and stakeholders in the tourism sector to design targeted strategies and support mechanisms that further empower women, fostering sustainable growth and innovation in the industry.