In a world where women are travelling more than ever, often alone, safety is no longer optional; it is essential. Recognising this global shift, Kerala has taken a decisive step to redefine tourism, not just as an experience, but as a space where women feel secure, welcomed, and empowered.
Under the State Responsible Tourism Mission, Kerala has launched a first-of-its-kind Women-Friendly Tourism Project, aiming to transform the state into a fully women-friendly destination. Spearheading this vision is Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas, who believes that the future of tourism lies in inclusion, safety, and opportunity.
This is not just a policy shift. It is a complete reimagining of how tourism works.
WOMEN AT THE CENTRE, NOT THE MARGINS
At the heart of this initiative is a simple yet powerful idea: women should not just participate in tourism; they should lead it.
Across Kerala, women are now running homestays, managing transport services, curating travel experiences, and serving as trained tour guides and storytellers. From cooking traditional meals to hosting guests and even driving taxis, women are shaping every layer of the tourism ecosystem.
Today, nearly 80% of the Responsible Tourism Mission units are led by women, and over 17,000 women are directly engaged as entrepreneurs, guides, and operators. Behind these numbers are families, around 1.5 lakh households, whose livelihoods are now tied to this growing movement.
To strengthen this ecosystem, the state has allocated ₹10 crore exclusively for women empowerment initiatives within tourism.
SAFE DESTINATIONS, CAREFULLY DESIGNED EXPERIENCES
Kerala isn’t leaving safety to chance. It is being designed, audited, and constantly evaluated.
Several destinations have been officially identified as women-friendly after detailed gender and safety audits:
- Kanthalloor – A serene eco-tourism hub in the hills
- Kumarakom – Famous for its backwaters and secure homestays
- Kadalundi & Perumpalam – Coastal and rural escapes offering community-driven experiences
- Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram – A cultural urban landmark
These locations are not just scenic; they are structured to meet the specific needs of women travellers, from infrastructure to behaviour standards.
Monthly evaluations, led at the ministerial level, ensure these standards don’t slip.
TRAVEL DESIGNED BY WOMEN, FOR WOMEN
One of the most striking aspects of this initiative is the rise of all-women travel packages.
These curated experiences are entirely operated by women, covering:
- Accommodation
- Food services
- Transport
- Community guides
From cycling tours and trekking trails to cultural explorations, women travellers can now experience Kerala in groups where every touchpoint is handled by women.
It creates something rare in travel: complete comfort without compromise
STORIES, CULTURE, AND ADVENTURE
Kerala’s approach goes beyond security; it focuses on meaningful travel.
Visitors can explore local art, traditions, and history, including stories of legendary figures like Unniyarcha, the famed Kalari warrior. Cultural immersion is paired with adventure via treks through misty hills, cycling trails, and upcoming experiences like “Her Trails” in Wayanad, a women-focused off-road expedition planned for 2026.
This two-day experience is designed to connect women with nature, culture, and each other, while reinforcing that adventure and safety can coexist.
THE GLOBAL PUSH
What sets Kerala apart is its collaboration with UN Women India, bringing global standards into a local framework.
Leaders like Kanta Singh, Deputy Representative of UN Women India, have emphasized the importance of building reliable, hygienic, and safe infrastructure tailored for women.
This partnership led to a landmark moment: the 2024 Global Women’s Conference on Gender-Inclusive Tourism, culminating in the Kerala Declaration on Women-Friendly Tourism.
The message was clear: Kerala isn’t just improving tourism; it is setting a model others can follow.
REAL WOMEN, REAL IMPACT
The impact of this initiative is best seen in the stories emerging from small communities.
In Maravanathuruthu village, women have turned tourism into a source of independence and identity. Entrepreneurs like Ambili M. Soman introduced home-cooked ethnic food trails, eventually expanding into women-only tours that are now widely popular.
Meanwhile, professionals like Vidhya M.V. are training women in:
- Tourism management
- Digital marketing
- Hospitality services
- Sustainable business practices
Even auto drivers, taxi operators, and homestay owners undergo orientation programmes to ensure a consistent, women-friendly experience.
Another inspiring example is Julie Joy Attokaran, who blends tourism with environmental action, leading clean-up drives, promoting waste management, and encouraging eco-friendly souvenirs like cloth and paper bags.
A SYSTEM THAT SUPPORTS AND SUSTAINS
The initiative isn’t just about ideas; it is backed by systems.
Women entrepreneurs receive:
- Financial aid for homestays, handicrafts, and ethnic restaurants
- Support for setting up souvenir shops
- Access to schemes like “Fresh Up Homes” and “Women’s RT Clubs”
An upcoming digital app will further streamline the experience, offering a one-stop guide to:
- Women-friendly travel packages
- Women-led businesses
- Verified homestays and services
A MODEL IN THE MAKING
Kerala’s women-friendly tourism is no longer just a state initiative; it is becoming a national reference point.
From policy to execution, from safety audits to grassroots entrepreneurship, the state has shown how tourism can create economic opportunity while addressing real concerns faced by women travellers.
As Minister Riyas notes, this shift is necessary in a world where women are travelling more independently than ever before.
And in Kerala, that journey is no longer uncertain.
It is safe, structured, and led by women themselves.
