Himachal Pradesh has brought a draft of the SheTravel Policy, a comprehensive framework aimed at improving safety, infrastructure, and opportunities for solo female travelers.
With females increasingly choosing to travel independently, the policy addresses long-standing concerns around safety and accessibility, while positioning Himachal as a pioneer in gender-responsive tourism in India.
A Vision to Double Female Solo Travel by 2028
At the heart of the SheTravel Policy lies an ambitious goal: increasing the share of solo female travelers in Himachal Pradesh’s tourism arrivals from approximately 18% to 35% by 2028.
This target is not just about numbers; it reflects a broader vision to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering tourism ecosystem for female travelers. The policy aims to:
- Reduce safety incidents involving women tourists
- Register and certify female-friendly accommodations
- Establish Himachal Pradesh as India’s first state with a mandatory annual gender audit of tourism infrastructure
Tourism department officials confirmed that the draft policy has been circulated among stakeholders for feedback and suggestions, signaling a collaborative approach to policy-making.
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From Policy to Practice
A key highlight of the SheTravel Policy is its multi-layered safety and support system designed specifically for women travelers.
SheShield: A Smart Safety App
The proposed SheShield app is the essential foundation of the initiative. Designed for real-time safety, it will offer:
- SOS alerts with immediate response
- Direct connectivity to Himachal Police
- Live location sharing
- Safety updates on accommodations, transport, and trekking routes
Whether navigating crowded markets or trekking remote trails, SheShield ensures that help is always just a tap away.
SheStays: Certified Women-Friendly Accommodation
Under the SheStays initiative, at least 2,000 accommodations across the state will be certified as women-friendly.
To qualify, properties must meet strict safety standards, including:
- Well-lit entrances and premises
- CCTV surveillance systems
- Emergency panic buttons
- Defined emergency response protocols
Certified accommodations will receive official recognition, ensuring transparency and trust for travelers.
SheGuards: On-Ground Safety Support
The policy also proposes deploying SheGuards, trained female safety marshals, at major tourist hubs.
These personnel will provide:
- On-ground assistance
- Immediate support in emergencies
- Guidance for safe travel practices
Empowering Women Through Tourism Employment
Beyond safety, the policy also focuses on economic empowerment.
The state government plans to train 5,000 women in roles such as:
- Tourist guides
- Homestay hosts
- Safety personnel
- Hospitality service providers
This initiative is expected to boost local participation of women in tourism, improving livelihoods while making the ecosystem more inclusive.
A New Benchmark for Women’s Safety in Indian Tourism
The SheTravel Policy reflects a broader shift in how tourism is being reimagined—not just as an economic driver, but as a safe and inclusive experience for all.
By integrating:
- Technology (SheShield)
- Infrastructure (SheStays & audits)
- Human support (SheGuards)
- Policy accountability (annual gender audits)
Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself as a national model for women-friendly tourism.
If successfully implemented, this initiative could inspire other Indian states to adopt similar frameworks, transforming the landscape of solo female travel in India.
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Frequently asked questions
The policy aims to create a gender-responsive tourism ecosystem, focusing on enhancing safety, improving infrastructure, and doubling the share of solo female travelers in the state to 35% by 2028.
The SheShield app provides real-time protection through SOS alerts, live location sharing, and direct connectivity to the Himachal Police, ensuring immediate assistance during emergencies on treks or in urban areas.
To earn the SheStays certification, properties must implement strict safety measures, including CCTV surveillance, well-lit premises, emergency panic buttons, and established protocols for rapid response to guest distress calls.
SheGuards are trained female safety marshals stationed at high-traffic tourist destinations. They offer on-ground assistance, provide guidance for safe travel, and act as first responders for women in need.
The policy intends to train 5,000 local women as guides, homestay hosts, and hospitality staff, directly integrating them into the tourism economy and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.