ISLAMABAD: Women are fast becoming the most influential force in the global travel industry. According to Skift Research-The Woman Traveler report, women make 82% of all travel decisions and represent 64% of travelers worldwide.
As National Geographic reports, this dominance is fueling a surge in demand for women-only travel experiences, reshaping how tourism companies design and market their products.
The Adventure Travel Trade Association notes a 230% increase in companies offering women-focused trips over the past few years. Major operators such as Intrepid Travel recorded a 59% rise in bookings for its Women’s Expeditions in 2024, while Responsible Travel saw an 18% boost in demand.
Although female-led travel companies like Adventure Women and Wild Women Expeditions have operated for decades, National Geographic points out that women-only tours have recently shifted from niche to mainstream. Financial independence is a key driver: research by UBS shows women are wealthier than ever, and studies in the UK even suggest Gen Z women now out earn men on average. At the same time, Google Trends reveals a 600% rise in global searches for “travel companies for solo female travellers” since 2020.
But money is only part of the story. Safety and community also play crucial roles. A survey by Solo Female Travelers found that 71% of women feared the higher costs of solo travel, while 59% cited safety concerns. Joining women-only group tours addresses both issues, offering shared expenses and a secure environment. As National Geographic quotes volunteer Carli Korik of Girls Who Travel: “It’s a huge relief not to have to think twice about who you’re sitting with on the bus or if you need to cover your drink.”
For many, the appeal goes beyond security. Female travelers describe these tours as spaces for healing, bonding, and candid conversations.
Women-only tours also unlock cultural experiences inaccessible to mixed groups, especially in conservative regions. Intrepid Travel’s expeditions in Morocco, Iran, Jordan, and beyond allow guests to enter women-only spaces, from Saudi beaches to private homes in India, while fostering dialogue with local women.
The ripple effects extend to local economies. The UN reports women make up 54% of the tourism workforce. Companies like Intrepid employ large numbers of female guides in India and Morocco, while also supporting women-led businesses and charities. Similarly, Roar Africa’s Women’s Empowerment Retreat funds education, conservation, and health initiatives across the continent.
