The role of sexuality in tourism businesses from the perspective of women managers

Abstract

This study investigates to what extent women managers in tourism perceive sexuality to play a role in the tourism sector, with a focus not only on their perceptions but also on their experiences. Twenty-four women in high level management were interviewed. Almost a third of the research participants experienced sexual advances at work. Despite not feeling threatened by such advances, they considered these advances as unpleasant. Practically all women had developed coping strategies to avoid such advances, and some underlined the importance of carefully managing such situations so as not to offend.

Keywords:

• Gender and tourism
• organizations
• sexuality
• women managers