5 tips on how to sell women-led tours

Women-led tours have become a huge growth sector over the past few years. Responsible Travel, for example, saw a 345% increase in bookings for such tours in 2022, compared with 2021, and a 53% increase over the past five years. Here's how to showcase what female-led itineraries can offer.

1. Highlight the positive social impact
Women-led tours can have a direct impact on the local economy. "In the countries we visit on our Women's Expeditions, such as Morocco, India and Jordan, women are often still dependent on their partners or families," says Intrepid's general manager of global product, Erica Kritikides.

"Travelling with a local female leader and visiting women-owned businesses helps money go directly to supporting them and can give them financial independence for the first time. This means not only a brighter future for them but their families too.""There are countries where having a female guide is still rare, but you'll gain insights into daily life and culture that you otherwise wouldn't," Tim Williamson, customer director at Responsible Travel, explains. "We often experience destinations through a male gaze, whereas women-led trips can offer an alternative narrative and a richer, fuller picture of a destination."

5. Highlight the benefits for everyone
It's worth noting that women-led tours don't necessarily mean women-only. Tours vary from operator to operator and while many do cater for an exclusively female clientele, others are open to everyone. This means travellers can still benefit from the advantages of a female-led tour while travelling in a mixed group.