Why women-led travel businesses are changing the game in India

From breaking stereotypes to redefining hospitality, women-led travel businesses in India are revolutionising the sector. With a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of community, and an innate ability to create unforgettable experiences, these entrepreneurs are crafting a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative travel landscape. But it is not just about business, it is about impact. Women are building ventures that prioritise sustainability, empower local communities, and cater to underserved traveller demographics, including solo female travellers and cultural explorers.

Trailblazing women-led travel businesses in India

1) Women on Wanderlust (WOW) – Breaking barriers for solo female travellers

Founded by Sumitra Senapaty, WOW has become India’s leading women-only travel group. She identified a crucial gap in the market, women who wanted to travel but lacked safe, like-minded companions. Today, WOW curates extraordinary global experiences for women, from Arctic expeditions to African safaris.

Lesson: Find an underserved niche and create a community around it. Women-led businesses thrive when they offer safety, comfort, and a strong support system for their customers.

2) F5 Escapes – Redefining women’s travel in India

Founded by Malini Gowrishankar and Akanksha Bumb, F5 Escapes is an experiential travel company focused on ‘redefining the way women travel in India.’ They organise all-women fixed departure tours and customised itineraries across the country, providing personalised travel assistance to solo female travellers. Their mission is to create a safe and empowering environment for women to explore India confidently. ​

Lesson: Addressing specific concerns, such as safety for female travellers, can carve out a niche market and build a loyal customer base.

3) On Her Way – Connecting women travellers with local guides

Srishti Mendhekar and Priyansha Mishra co-founded On Her Way, a platform that connects women travellers to local female guides, or “girl pals,” who provide assistance and information about safe spaces. This initiative not only enhances safety but also fosters a sense of community among women travellers.

Lesson: Building a community-centric platform that emphasises safety and local expertise can significantly enhance the travel experience for women.

4) Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company – Pioneering female-led trekking

Established by Thinlas Chorol in 2009, the Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company is the first female-owned and operated travel agency in Ladakh. Specialising in trekking services, the company promotes ecotourism and provides employment opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. ​

Lesson: Challenging industry norms and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups can lead to pioneering and successful business models.

5) Ecoplore – Promoting eco-conscious tourism

Prerna Prasad, founder of Ecoplore, focuses on promoting eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable tourism practices. Her platform offers travellers the option to stay in environmentally responsible properties, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable travel choices.

Lesson: Aligning a business with environmental sustainability appeals to the growing segment of eco-conscious travellers and contributes positively to the planet.

6) ExpressEarth Digital Services – Innovating travel tech with AI

Basudha Srivastava Narula founded ExpressEarth Digital Services, a travel tech company that leverages AI-driven automation to enhance travel planning and booking experiences. Her innovative approach is reshaping the future of travel technology. ​

Lesson: Integrating advanced technologies like AI can streamline operations and offer personalised services, setting a travel business apart in a competitive market.

Lessons from women-led travel businesses

1) Solve a real problem, not just a trend

Successful women-led travel businesses don’t just follow trends, they identify real challenges and create solutions. Whether it’s making solo travel safer, promoting sustainable tourism, or curating exclusive cultural experiences, their businesses are built on purpose.

Actionable tip: Research pain points in the travel sector. What problems do travellers face that are not being addressed? Your business should be the answer.

2) Build a strong brand with a unique voice

In a crowded travel market, standing out is crucial. Women entrepreneurs like Sumitra Senapaty and Basudha Srivastava Narula did not just create businesses, they built strong brands with compelling narratives.

Actionable tip: Invest in branding, use authentic storytelling, high-quality visuals, and a strong online presence to make your business instantly recognisable.

3) Prioritise safety and trust

Women-led travel companies often excel at creating safer, more welcoming environments for travellers. WOW, for instance, ensures that every trip is meticulously planned with verified accommodations and local support.

Actionable tip: If you’re catering to a niche audience (such as solo female travellers), establish trust through safety guarantees, transparent policies, and excellent customer service.

4) Use digital marketing to your advantage

Successful women entrepreneurs leverage social media, influencer collaborations, and content marketing to reach their audience.

Actionable tip: Utilise Instagram, YouTube, and blogs to showcase your travel experiences. Authentic reviews and engaging content will drive organic growth.

5) Scale smartly without losing your personal touch

Many women-led travel businesses started small but scaled strategically by maintaining personalised service.  

Actionable tip: Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of rapid expansion, build a loyal customer base that brings repeat business and referrals.

6) Create impact, not just revenue

The most successful travel businesses don’t just focus on profits, they make a difference. Whether it’s supporting local artisans, reducing environmental footprints, or empowering underprivileged communities, impact-driven businesses attract conscious travellers.

Actionable tip: Align your business with a meaningful cause. Travellers today want to support companies that give back.

Women-led businesses are proving that empathy, innovation, and sustainability can be powerful business drivers. The only thing stopping you from building your travel empire is waiting for the ‘right time.’ That time is now. Women across India and the world are turning their travel passions into game-changing businesses.

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