Safety of Women Guests

With celebrations of woman’s day earlier this year, one saw the distinct visibility of woman empowerment. Today, there is a growing tendency among women to travel solo or with female companions. According to a report by IndiaSpend, over 75 million women in India, who are single out of choice, are socially and financially independent, which could be one of the reasons for solo-travel among them. These travellers not only want ‘me-time’ which could be the reason for solo travel, but they are also keen on exploring scenic and culturally rich destinations. For them health and safety also takes precedence. They want – and choose hotels which provide them safety. Thus hotels, to ensure their patronage, have to ensure their safety and well-being. With rising percentage of solo-women travellers, this has become essential for hotels industry. Ashok Malkani views the safety factor in the accommodations offered by the hospitality industry.

- Ashok Malkani

India, with its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and diverse traditions has been a destination of fascination for tourists. The Union Budget 2023 has also shed light on the promising future of tourism industry in India.

According to travel intelligence company, Adara, which has been recently acquired by RateGain, women travellers from developed countries visiting India, on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis has, during the first quarter of 2023, risen to 49 per cent. The data is based on a study conducted on behaviour of travellers from nine countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Germany and France.

More and more women are now travelling alone or stepping out without immediate company to feel empowered, enjoy freedom or just explore. Solo trips are on the rise for 'me-time' and offbeat destinations, and there is high pent-up demand and higher consumer confidence driving this segment.

According to a study conducted by Kayak, a travel search engine, 'me-time' is gaining popularity among Indian travellers, 38% of whom prefer to travel solo. The latest Global Travel Trends Report, from American Express Travel, disclosed that 58% of the travellers were willing to travel solo to visit their dream destination.

Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) avers that more and more Indian women prefer solo travel. According to the company's internal data there has been a 10-12 per cent increase in demand for solo women travel as compared to pre-pandemic days. These solo travellers, according to Rajiv, want to experience a sense of freedom, rejuvenation and to pursue their passion - be it culture, cuisine or shopping.

Nitesh Chauhan, founder of Jugni Travels, discloses that solo women travellers are not city or country specific. In fact his company was getting a lot of solo women travellers from tier 2 cities now.