The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has reinforced its voice on the global stage after participating in the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Tourism Services Section Conference in London, where delegates focused on strengthening workers’ rights, advancing gender equality, and building a more sustainable tourism industry.

ABWU General Secretary David Massiah, who serves as Chair of the ITF Tourism Services Section, attended the June 23–24 conference alongside ABWU Shop Steward Briann Russell, joining trade union leaders and international tourism stakeholders from around the world.

Opening the conference, Massiah challenged governments and industry leaders to ensure that the rapid expansion of global tourism also benefits the workers who power the sector.

“Too often, those same workers are the ones facing the greatest insecurity, informal work, low wages, unsustainable working conditions, and increasing pressure from changing business models,” he said.

A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the ITF–UN Tourism Global Report on Women in Tourism Transportation, the first comprehensive international study examining the role of women across the air, road, rail, and maritime passenger transport sectors.

The report identifies significant barriers facing women, including disparities in recruitment, pay, career progression, and leadership opportunities, while offering practical recommendations to create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

An accompanying action plan urges governments, employers, and trade unions to adopt gender-responsive legislation, strengthen workplace protections, improve health and safety standards, and expand access to education, training, leadership development, and career advancement for women employed throughout the tourism transport industry.

The conference also examined the future of tourism through discussions on strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, expanding union membership, promoting safer tourism destinations, and ensuring a just transition toward more sustainable tourism practices.

As part of the programme, delegates engaged directly with representatives from UN Tourism, the University of Surrey, the World Travel & Tourism Council, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and other leading international organisations during a dedicated Tourism Industry Forum.

Addressing the gathering, Massiah underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between governments, employers, trade unions, and international partners.

“The future of tourism cannot be shaped by any one group alone. Governments set the framework. Industry drives investment and innovation. Workers deliver the service and the experience.”

He added that meaningful partnerships are essential to ensuring tourism continues to generate economic growth while delivering fair employment and social progress, particularly in tourism-dependent regions such as the Caribbean.

Beyond the London conference, Massiah also visited the UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid, Spain, where discussions continued on strengthening cooperation between international tourism institutions and the global labour movement.

ABWU said its participation reflects the Union’s continued commitment to ensuring that the voices of Caribbean workers remain at the centre of international discussions shaping the future of tourism.