Equality war in tourism: Women demand fair wages in Innsbruck!

Equality war in tourism: Women demand fair wages in Innsbruck!

On May 12, 2025, the launch event of the Equal Pay Network took place in Innsbruck, which focused on equality in tourism, especially for women. This issue is of great importance because women in Innsbruck tourism earn an average of 33,228 euros annually, which is 7.2% less than the income of their male colleagues. For part-time jobs, which according to current statistics account for 84% of female employees in tourism, the income difference is as high as 21.7%.

The event brought together numerous participants, including representatives from politics, research and practice, who discussed the challenges women face in the tourism work environment. The frequently mentioned problems include the lack of childcare during off-peak times, limited career opportunities and structural disadvantages.

Measures to improve equality

In order to improve the situation for women in tourism, various proposals have been developed. More flexible working hours, targeted training as well as transparent salaries and a supportive corporate culture were considered necessary to promote gender equality. Best practices and their own suggestions for equality were developed by the participants during the event, with the aim of implementing the first measures from autumn 2025.

Another important point raised at the event was women's experiences with pay inequality. These reports highlighted the ongoing challenges and provided insight into the realities many women face. The realization that young generations in particular are demanding real equality shows the pressure on politics, business and society to change the framework conditions accordingly.

The gender pay gap in the European context

The gender pay gap is not only an urgent issue in Innsbruck tourism. There are currently more women in employment in Germany and Europe than ever before, but they often earn less than their male colleagues, despite higher levels of qualifications. According to a report from the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the unadjusted gender pay gap in Germany varied at 20% in 2019. While it was 21% in West Germany, it was only 7% in East Germany.

The causes of this pay inequality are diverse. They range from the segregation of the labor market to career interruptions, often caused by family obligations. In addition, women often work in low-wage jobs and are underrepresented in leadership positions, which further hinders their chances of advancement. Measures to reduce the gender pay gap are urgently needed. Initiatives to improve the compatibility of family and work as well as programs to promote women in MINT professions could have a supportive effect.

In summary, the organizers appeal to politics, business and society to actively work for a fairer working world and to improve the conditions for women in tourism and other sectors.