As the world marks International Women’s Day, new insights from Airbnb highlight how women in India are playing a growing role in shaping the country’s
travel and hospitality landscape. From running successful homestays to leading travel decisions, Indian women are not only exploring the world more confidently but also contributing significantly to local tourism economies. According to Airbnb data, nearly 30% of hosts in India are women, and they manage about 35% of the platform’s “Guest Favourite” listings, a category that reflects highly rated stays by travellers. This indicates that women hosts are not only present in the hospitality sector but are also excelling at creating memorable travel experiences for guests. The economic impact of this shift is significant. Women hosts in India collectively earned approximately ₹2.6 billion through hosting in 2024, demonstrating how digital hospitality platforms are opening new entrepreneurial opportunities for women across the country.
Women Hosts Powering Local Tourism
Many women hosts are turning their homes into thriving micro-businesses that showcase regional culture, food, and traditions. These homestays often offer travellers a more personal experience compared to conventional hotels, helping visitors connect with local communities.
Industry experts say that when women participate in tourism entrepreneurship, the benefits extend beyond individual income. Women-led hospitality ventures often generate employment, support local artisans, and promote regional culture. Global development organisations have also noted that women’s participation in tourism can strengthen community economies and encourage more inclusive growth.
Initiatives such as Airbnb’s Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa aim to further support this momentum by training aspiring homestay operators in hospitality skills, business fundamentals, and sustainable tourism practices. Such programs are particularly significant for rural communities, where tourism can provide an additional and stable source of income.
A New Generation of Women Travellers
Beyond hosting, women travellers themselves are influencing travel trends in India. Airbnb data shows that duo travel, trips taken with one companion, has become the most popular travel style among Indian women, followed by small group trips. This suggests a shift toward social yet flexible travel experiences.
When it comes to destinations, Indian women travellers are balancing well-known hotspots with emerging locations. Domestically, popular searches in 2025 included North Goa, Bengaluru, Gurugram, South Goa and Pune, while internationally the most searched destinations were Dubai, London, Bangkok, Paris and Rome.
At the same time, travellers are showing growing curiosity for lesser-known destinations. Places such as Dakshina Kannada and Mathura have seen notable increases in bookings, while internationally, the mountain town of Kazbegi in Georgia has experienced a sharp rise in interest.
Women as Travel Decision-Makers
Research across the tourism sector suggests that women are increasingly becoming the primary decision-makers in travel planning. Studies indicate that many women now lead decisions on destinations, budgets and itineraries, often prioritising safety, meaningful experiences and cultural immersion when planning trips.
Technology has also empowered this shift. Digital platforms, reviews, and travel apps allow women travellers to research destinations carefully and make informed choices about accommodation and transport.
A Changing Travel Landscape
The growing presence of women in both hosting and travelling reflects a broader transformation in India’s tourism sector. What was once considered a male-dominated industry is gradually becoming more inclusive, with women stepping into roles as entrepreneurs, travel planners, and cultural ambassadors.
As International Women’s Day highlights stories of empowerment and opportunity, the evolving travel patterns of Indian women offer a clear message: when women participate actively in tourism, whether as hosts or travellers, the impact goes far beyond individual journeys. It strengthens communities, supports local economies, and reshapes the future of travel itself.
