Threatened by a damning climate future, women in leadership could save Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector, research finds.

Australia is projected to experience 18 days of extreme heatwaves annually, up from just 4 days currently, and a 444 per cent increase in heatwave-related deaths in Sydney alone, according to a new report. 

With nearly three weeks each year where it will be too hot to be outside safely, tourism, events and hospitality will all take a hit.

As these sectors struggle to adapt, new Swinburne research suggests a simple solution – appointing women on boards and in management positions in hospitality and tourism firms.

Lead authors, Swinburne’s Dr Wahed Waheduzzaman and Dr Nandana Wasantha Pathiranage, found that women leaders aid better environmental policies, resource use, lower emissions, and drive environmental innovation. 

Dr Waheduzzaman says, “rising temperature is not just a health tragedy, it is a tourism risk”. 

“On days when stepping outside could be deadly, people won’t be lining up for city tours or outdoor events.”

“Gender inclusion is not just social good; it is a climate strategy. Firms that act now will be stronger, more competitive, and better prepared for a warmer world.”

Swinburne’s research found that gender-diverse boards and executive teams support green policies that enhance carbon performance. 

Since January 2025, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting has been compulsory in Australia, so all businesses must disclose climate risks and mitigation strategies.

Dr Waheduzzaman says female board members, due to socialisation, may respond more effectively to such risks than other board members and plan more effectively for extreme events.

The research team says businesses owners, industry and government need to closely monitor progress and use this as an opportunity to encourage diversity to ensure the safety of our tourists and economy.

“It’s imperative we respond to climate change, but also respond to its irreversible and worsening impacts to protect vulnerable people and our businesses so that everyone’s future is sustainable. 

“Making leadership in affected sectors more gender-diverse is an easy and important step that everyone should encourage.”