The female traveller: How women are shaping the travel industry

Women travellers are on the rise. Alexandra Riemann explains how they are having an ever-increasing impact on the industry
women travel
Wanderlust: women are travelling solo
Savvas Kalimeris / Unsplash

As we embark on another summer filled with wanderlust and adventure, it’s no secret that travel is changing. Women, in particular, are embracing the world of solo exploration and stepping out of their comfort zones.

Recent statistics show the remarkable impact and influence of female travellers and it’s time to celebrate the rise of women explorers and the valuable insights they bring to the travel industry.

The power of female travellers

Women make 80 per cent of all travel-related decisions when planning and booking trips, according to insight from Forbes. Armed with more than $15 trillion in spending power, women might well spend more than their male counterparts while travelling, too.

This not only fuels the economy but also contributes to the growth of local communities worldwide.

The rise of solo travel

Solo travel among women has experienced a phenomenal surge in recent years. A staggering 350 per cent increase in pins for “solo female travel” on Pinterest reflects the growing interest and curiosity surrounding this empowering trend.

Research also suggests that women are more likely to travel solo than men, with more than 60,000 women embarking on adventures between 2018 and 2019, just before the pandemic with numbers rising with eased restrictions for most countries.

Positive impact

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Travel is a huge market, and women are at the forefront
Unsplash

When it comes to spending, women spare no expense in creating memorable travel experiences.

In fact, 15 per cent of female travellers spend £200-plus per day, demonstrating their willingness to invest in exceptional accommodations, fine dining, and immersive activities.

Destination choices and safety

When selecting their next destination, safety remains a top priority for female travellers. The safest countries to visit include Iceland, New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia. These countries provide peace of mind, allowing women to explore with a sense of security.

Additionally, Japan is often highlighted as an ideal destination for solo female travellers thanks to its vibrant culture, strong safety record, and warm hospitality.

Empowering women

The travel industry has become a catalyst for empowering women globally. Platforms such as my own website are at the forefront, providing safety tools, insights, inspiration, and other valuable resources to female travellers.

Companies across the industry are also stepping up to empower women through various initiatives such as mentorship programs, women-led tours, and partnerships with local artisans. Together, they are fostering a supportive and inclusive travel community that celebrates the strength and resilience of women explorers.

Future dreams

As we slowly step into summer 2023, it’s clear that the world of travel is evolving. With their significant influence, spending power, and adventurous spirit, female travellers are reshaping the way we explore the world.

Whether embarking on solo adventures or travelling with partners, friends, and family, women continue to make a profound impact on the travel and tourism industry. So let’s celebrate the rise of women explorers and embrace the valuable insights they bring to our journeys.

Fundraising

My company Travel Sisters aims to empower women, fostering a community network where travellers can share tips, find resources to help with future adventures, and even buddy up for trips with like-minded individuals.

We have a team of experts on hand, including an ex-Google engineer, and continue to build a sanctuary for women who travel, aiding concerns and offering advice. Safety is our top priority. Currently, our app incorporates video verification, but we hope to take this further. We’re currently crowdfunding to enhance the experience by implementing ID verification, providing an extra layer of security.

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