‘She Tourism’ to Strengthen Women’s Role in Kerala’s Tourism Sector

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is expanding its “She Tourism” initiative to enhance women’s participation in the state’s tourism industry and create safer, more inclusive spaces for women travellers and entrepreneurs. As part of the plan, financial assistance will be extended to 140 women-led tourism ventures, including homestays and traditional food units operated by homemakers.
The government has sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for the development of women-friendly tourism centres and for setting up biogas plants in women-owned tourism enterprises. Existing homestays and local food units registered under the Responsible Tourism Mission will be eligible for support to install these eco-friendly systems.
A dedicated scheme is being framed for women who serve home-cooked meals through officially approved tourism-linked kitchen units. The government will also roll out discount tour packages for women, along with a gender audit of key destinations and a comprehensive women-friendly tourism policy aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and representation in the sector.
In addition to the Rs 1.5 crore fund, another 30 lakh has been allocated for homestays and Responsible Tourism Clubs led by women. These initiatives follow the Global Gender Equality Responsible Women’s Summit organised last year in partnership with UN Women. Kerala, the first Indian state to implement a women-friendly tourism programme, is now expanding its efforts to institutionalise gender-inclusive tourism development.
The implementation will be led by the Responsible Tourism Mission Society, which has been actively supporting local tourism-based livelihoods across the state. The model promotes decentralised participation and is intended to empower women at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas said Kerala’s tourism sector is becoming a benchmark for women’s empowerment, noting that women entrepreneurs across the state are driving sustainable, locally rooted progress. He added that by ensuring safety and equal opportunity, Kerala can emerge as a global leader in gender-inclusive tourism.