Himachal launches SheTravel Policy to boost solo women travel

Himachal Pradesh will roll out the SheTravel Policy, 2026 with a clear numerical target: increase the share of solo female travellers from about 18% to 35% by 2028, backed by a package of digital safety measures, certified accommodations and district-level gender-responsive hubs.

Key measures and operational design

The policy centers on a multi-pronged approach combining technology, certified infrastructure and human resources. The proposed flagship digital tool, SheShield, will offer a one-touch SOS linked to Himachal Police, allow anonymous incident reporting, list verified lodgings, and provide community escort options. Authorities plan a verified safety-rating system for lodgings, trekking trails and transport operators to be integrated into the app.

On the accommodation front, the tourism department intends to register and certify over 2,000 female-friendly properties by 2028 under the brand SheStays. Complementing lodging certification, the policy envisages creation of 12 gender-responsive tourism hubs—one per district—to serve as information and assistance centres for women travellers.

Human resources and governance targets

Targets in the policy include:

• Training 5,000 women as trekking guides, homestay operators, tour leaders and safety marshals by 2028.
• Deployment of 500 trained female tourist safety marshals (SheGuards) across major tourist spots by 2027.
• Ensuring 40% representation of women in all tourism advisory and governance bodies.
• Establishing the HP Women’s Tourism Fund with an annual corpus of INR 50 crore to finance gender-focused initiatives.

Safety audits, certifications and accountability

The policy mandates a gender-sensitive safety audit of tourism infrastructure and commits to auditing over 200 major tourist spots within the first year of implementation. It also proposes that Himachal become the first Indian state to adopt a mandatory annual gender audit of tourism facilities—covering transport nodes, trekking routes, public toilets, signage and accommodation.

Stakeholder engagement and implementation pathway

Local tourism offices have already begun consultations with industry associations, hoteliers, homestay operators and trekking firms to refine operational protocols. Kullu district tourism officials have held meetings with association leaders to obtain feedback and secure cooperation for certification and safety measures.

Implementation will require coordination between the tourism department, the state IT department for app development, law enforcement for SOS connectivity, and local community groups to recruit and train safety marshals and guides. Public–private partnerships are expected for capacity building and lodging certification.

Expected benefits for travellers and the local economy

• Improved perception of safety for solo women, likely increasing visitation and length of stay.
• More women in the workforce across tourism roles—guides, homestay operators and local leaders—boosting household incomes.
• Formal recognition and branding of properties (SheStays) can drive up standards and generate premium demand.
• Gender audits and safety ratings can make infrastructure planning more inclusive and data-driven.

Context and brief historical overview

Himachal Pradesh has long been a major domestic tourism destination, averaging around 16 million visitors annually, with Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Kangra among the highest footfall districts. Historically, travel to the state has been dominated by family groups and package tourists; solo female travel has remained a small share—around 18%—despite the region’s relatively positive safety reputation.

Over the past decade, the state has implemented incremental safety steps—improved signage on popular trekking routes, emergency helplines, and periodic safety awareness campaigns for homestay owners. However, a consolidated, gender-focused policy with digital integration and targets for women’s participation represents a notable policy shift and an attempt to translate safety perception into measurable market growth.

Comparative notes and precedents

Other destinations that have successfully positioned themselves for solo women travellers combined certification of accommodations, high-visibility safety infrastructure and local community engagement. The novelty in Himachal’s approach lies in the explicit numeric target for market share, the integration of an SOS-and-rating app, and the proposed dedicated fund to underwrite gender-responsive measures.

Potential implications for tourism patterns and activities

If the policy performs as intended, Himachal could see a diversification of visitor profiles—more independent travellers, longer stays and increased demand for small-group activities. That could affect activity providers in the state: trekking operators, homestays, local guides, and businesses tied to tourism supply chains. Increased female participation in service roles is also likely to reshape marketing and product design—more women-led treks, women-only accommodation blocks and curated safety-forward itineraries.

Risks and operational challenges

• Technology adoption: success of SheShield depends on app reliability, network coverage in mountainous terrain, and prompt emergency response integration.
• Certification enforcement: maintaining standards across 2,000 properties will require robust inspection capacity and periodic revalidation.
• Community buy-in: recruiting and training 5,000 women and deploying safety marshals requires sustained funding and social acceptance in some local areas.

In conclusion, the SheTravel Policy 2026 sets measurable targets and a layered implementation strategy—digital safety, certified accommodation, gender-responsive hubs, workforce training, and governance reform. These elements together aim to convert the state’s current safety perception into concrete market gains among solo women travellers, while creating economic opportunities for local communities. For tourism stakeholders and observant travellers alike, the policy will be a useful case study in scaling safety-led tourism initiatives across mountainous Destinations. GetBoat.com is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news and developments, monitoring how initiatives like these may influence wider travel trends across beaches, lakes, mountain activities and coastal or inland Destinations.