Kerala has taken a bold and necessary leap toward reshaping Indian tourism by placing women at the heart of its new development strategy. With the announcement of a gender inclusive tourism policy, the state has put forward a clear message that safety, opportunity, and inclusivity are not optional in travel but fundamental.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas made it clear at a recent state level consultation workshop that Kerala is ready to walk the talk. The vision is simple but revolutionary: to create tourism centers that are women friendly and to build a thriving network of women led businesses across the state. In a sector long dominated by male leadership, this shift could redefine what responsible tourism truly means in India.
Over 17,000 women have already become part of the project, running everything from women only tour groups and homestays to community led tourism experiences and souvenir stores. With training and support systems in place, these women are now becoming powerful contributors to Kerala’s tourism economy, adding authenticity, care, and safety to the traveler’s journey.
Kerala has not only set intentions but backed them with action. It is the first Indian state to conduct a formal gender audit in its tourism sector, having already completed audits in six major tourism spots with plans to cover more. Safety audits have also been carried out across 68 locations. These checks ensure that the experience is not just pleasant for women travelers, but empowering for women entrepreneurs and staff as well.
The initiative has earned praise from global institutions. Kanta Singh from UN Women India, a key partner in the project, commended Kerala for becoming a national benchmark in inclusive tourism planning. UN Women has provided technical support, including destination safety models, training programs, and audit frameworks to make sure the policy is not just paper deep but practically robust.
Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society’s CEO, K. Rupeshkumar, shared that the new policy will go beyond vision statements and offer actionable guidelines on how to implement, evaluate, and sustain gender inclusion in tourism. The policy will also address infrastructure, workplace conditions, and safety systems ensuring that every aspect of a destination is built with inclusivity in mind.
This move is not just a win for Kerala. It sets a precedent for every Indian state to follow. It tells the country that tourism can be both an economic driver and a platform for women’s empowerment. It tells women that they don’t have to fit into the industry they can shape it.
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