This special issue examines how gender shapes urban tourism and hospitality experiences, addressing persistent inequalities and emerging research needs. The sector intersects gender dynamics with race, ethnicity, class, disability and sexual orientation, yet significant gaps remain regarding women's empowerment, gender-based violence, work-life balance and the roles of men and non-binary individuals in cities. Recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic's disproportionate impact on women workers, highlight the urgency of gender-inclusive approaches aligned with sustainable development goals.
The issue seeks theoretically informed contributions that integrate gender perspectives with urban studies and hospitality research. Submissions may include empirical studies, conceptual papers, literature reviews and expert discussions addressing topics such as women's urban entrepreneurship, inclusive governance policies, technology-driven tourism, peri-urban interfaces and intersectional experiences. Contributors are encouraged to adopt mixed-methods approaches and perspectives from underrepresented regions.