Himachal Pradesh to Introduce Women-Centric Tourism Policy for Safety and Convenience
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing a women-centric tourism policy (“She Tourist” Policy) focusing on the safety and convenience of female tourists. The policy aims to provide a secure, reliable, and comfortable environment for women traveling alone. Under this initiative, female tourists will be hosted by women.
On Friday, the Tourism Department held a virtual meeting with tourism operators, hotel owners, homestay proprietors, and other stakeholders to gather suggestions. The meeting proposed establishing one-stop help desks at major tourist destinations to provide safety, guidance, and emergency assistance to female travelers.
The policy will also include verification of homestays and the creation of a separate network of women guides and female taxi operators, ensuring safe transportation and certified accommodation. Special incentive schemes will be introduced to promote women entrepreneurs in tourism.
The number of women traveling alone in the state has increased more than twelvefold over the past five years. The new policy will implement strict safety measures in homestays and hotels, including CCTV, security guards, and mandatory police verification. Special packages for solo female travelers, such as yoga retreats and adventure tracks, are also planned.
Tourism Director Vivek Bhatia stated that all suggestions will be considered to create a practical and effective policy. This initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s economy and help brand Himachal Pradesh as a safe tourism destination.
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