Women in Kerala’s Tourism Sector: A Transformative Journey

The tourism sector in Kerala is witnessing an unprecedented revolution, driven by the increasing participation of women. This transformation is not only ensuring local growth but also providing significant employment and income opportunities for women. With 17,000 women volunteers and 17,631 units led or owned by women, the Responsible Tourism Mission Society is redefining the tourism landscape in Kerala. Let’s delve into the details of this inspiring movement, the various initiatives taken, and the awards and recognition it has garnered.

Empowering Women Through Tourism

The Responsible Tourism Mission Society in Kerala has registered 25,188 units, of which a remarkable 17,631 are led or owned by women. This indicates a significant shift towards female empowerment in the tourism sector. These women are not just participants but are leading the way as entrepreneurs, creating a ripple effect of empowerment within their communities.

Diverse Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs

Women in Kerala are breaking traditional barriers by stepping into various roles within the tourism sector. They are running homestays, working as tour guides, operators, drivers, and managing restaurants and alternative food outlets. This diverse involvement is providing women with numerous avenues to showcase their skills and contribute to the local economy. Notably, 2,800 women units are registered for these activities, demonstrating the scale of female participation.

Specialized Women-Only Tours

One of the standout features of this initiative is the introduction of women-only tours. These tours cater specifically to female travelers, offering them a safe and comfortable experience while exploring Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. This not only encourages more women to travel but also provides a unique business opportunity for women entrepreneurs.

Training and Skill Development

To ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives, the Responsible Tourism Mission Society has placed a strong emphasis on training and skill development. So far, 73 women have been trained as resource persons, and 34 have been trained as community tour leaders. This training equips women with the necessary skills to manage and lead tourism-related activities effectively, thereby enhancing the overall quality of services provided.

Promoting Women as Travel Entrepreneurs

Kerala’s tourism sector is not just about providing employment but also about fostering entrepreneurship. Women who have a passion for travel are being encouraged to become entrepreneurs. Through women’s tour packages offered by 28 companies, 18,000 domestic tourists have already traveled to Kerala. This initiative is creating a new wave of women travel entrepreneurs who are contributing to the state’s tourism growth while achieving financial independence.

Pioneering Gender Audits

In a pioneering move, Kerala has become the first state to conduct a gender audit to mainstream women in the local community. This audit assesses the participation and impact of women in tourism and ensures that their contributions are recognized and supported. The audit has been completed in several regions, including Kanthallur, Kumarakam, Kadalundi, Kanakakunnu, and Perumbalam, highlighting areas of improvement and success.

Award-Winning Initiatives

The efforts of the Responsible Tourism Mission Society and the women involved have not gone unnoticed. Maravanthuruth received the Global Award, and Kanthallur was honored with the Central Government’s Best Tourism Village Award for the street project implemented by the Mission. These accolades are a testament to the innovative and impactful work being done. Additionally, the Mission has received 19 awards at national and international levels, underscoring its success and influence.

The Road Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum

While the achievements so far are commendable, the journey of empowering women in Kerala’s tourism sector is ongoing. Sustaining this momentum requires continuous support, innovative strategies, and an inclusive approach. Here are some ways to ensure the continued success of this initiative:

Expanding Training Programs

Increasing the number and scope of training programs will equip more women with the skills needed to excel in the tourism sector. Specialized training in digital marketing, hospitality management, and eco-tourism can further enhance their capabilities.

Enhancing Market Access

Providing women entrepreneurs with better access to markets, both domestic and international, can significantly boost their businesses. Collaborations with travel agencies, online platforms, and tourism boards can create more opportunities for women-led enterprises.

Promoting Gender Equality

Ensuring gender equality within the tourism sector is crucial. This includes addressing any systemic barriers that women may face and promoting policies that support women’s participation and leadership.

Fostering Community Support

Building strong community support networks can help sustain women’s involvement in tourism. Encouraging local communities to support women-led initiatives and recognizing their contributions can create a more inclusive environment.

Leveraging Technology

Utilizing technology to promote women-led tourism enterprises can open up new avenues for growth. Digital platforms can help women reach a wider audience, manage their businesses efficiently, and stay connected with tourists.

A Transformative Impact

The increasing participation of women in Kerala’s tourism sector is not just a milestone but a movement towards gender equality and empowerment. With 17,000 women volunteers and 17,631 women-led units, the Responsible Tourism Mission Society is setting a benchmark for other regions to follow. The specialized tours, extensive training programs, and pioneering gender audits are transforming the tourism landscape, providing women with the opportunity to shine as entrepreneurs and leaders. As this initiative continues to grow and evolve, it promises to create a more inclusive and vibrant tourism sector in Kerala, benefiting the local community and the economy as a whole.

By nurturing and supporting this female revolution in tourism, Kerala is paving the way for a future where women play a central role in driving sustainable growth and development. This transformative journey is a testament to the power of collective effort, vision, and the unwavering spirit of women who are redefining the tourism sector, one step at a time.