Learn From These Eight Inspirational Women In The Travel Industry
Women are the driving force behind the travel industry.
Women were expected to spend $125 billion on travel in 2023. As we continue to quantify the impact women have in the travel industry, trends are becoming more visible and options are opening up through advocacy. Women-led tours are stepping to the forefront organized by locals and women entrepreneurs.
Not to be mistaken for women-only tours, women-led tours are any tours that have women tour guides, no matter who the travelers are. These kinds of tours are on the rise and making a significant impact on travelers' experience of a people and place. From hiking expeditions to cultural immersions, these tours offer a unique perspective on travel, often focusing on community engagement, sustainability, and personal growth.
While women command a significant percentage of the workforce in tourism, historically, tour guides have been a male-dominated role. According to UN Tourism, “Women make up 54% of the tourism workforce but are concentrated in lower-skilled, lower-paid and often informal employment.”
The Social Impact of Women-led Tours
Solo female travelers want safe yet enriching adventures. Women-led tours fill that need by prioritizing local cultures and creating opportunities to connect with communities in meaningful ways. Women are redefining what responsible tourism looks like by offering eco-friendly and socially responsible alternatives for conscious travelers.
Bigger tour operators, whether woman-owned or not, also have tours to destinations around the world where they collaborate with and support local businesses run by women.
The impact of women-led tours goes deeper than tourism statistics. Directly supporting women cultivates social and economic empowerment worldwide. When women lead, they aren’t only generating income for themselves but also uplifting local communities and driving ethical and sustainable development.
Source: Suraj Shakya on Unsplash Bhaktapur, Nepal
Popular Locations for Women Tour Guides
Efforts to increase women tour guides have seen some destinations become popular for tourists. In some countries, tourism is more accessible to women. Here are a few countries where female tour guides have been meeting the demand:
Asia
Nepal
Bhutan
Japan
Vietnam
Cambodia
India
Africa
Morocco
Egypt
Kenya
Middle East
Jordan
Pakistan
Iran
Türkiye
Saudi Arabia
Source: Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash Malindi, Kenya
Imagine seeing a destination through the eyes of a local woman.
Aside from aligning with travelers’ values and security concerns, travelers treasure female-led tours because of the unique perspective and expertise that women guides contribute. Because of their different viewpoint, women guides often offer a diverse understanding of local cultures, history, and traditions. Female guides are motivating in their presence alone, break stereotypes, and are role models for travelers and aspiring travelers.
When you support and participate in these tours, you not only bolster your trip but also contribute to positive change on a global scale. In our journeys, let us continue to find ways to embrace the transformative power of travel and celebrate the women who lead the way. When you empower a woman, you empower a nation. Keep the conversation going by exploring ways to support female tour guides.
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