Himachal Pradesh’s Bold New ‘SheTravel Policy 2026’ Plans to Empower Women with Over Two Thousand Safety-Verified Lodgings and Five Thousand Trained Female Guides, Creating India’s Most Secure Travel Hub

Published on February 27, 2026

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Himachal Pradesh is set to make history with its innovative SheTravel Policy 2026, designed to transform the state into India’s premier destination for female solo travelers. With a clear goal to increase the number of women traveling alone from 18% to 35% by 2028, this policy focuses on safety, empowerment, and greater representation for women within the tourism sector. By introducing groundbreaking initiatives such as the SheShield safety app, gender-sensitive tourism infrastructure, and training thousands of women in various tourism roles, the policy aims to create a secure and welcoming environment for female travelers, offering both adventure and peace of mind in one of India’s most scenic regions.

Image generated with Ai

Himachal Pradesh is preparing to roll out its groundbreaking ‘SheTravel Policy 2026’ to boost both the state’s tourism revenue and encourage more women to travel solo. This pioneering initiative is designed to increase the percentage of women solo travellers in the state from 18% to 35% by 2028, positioning Himachal as the leading destination for female travellers in India.

One of the primary features of the policy is the launch of the ‘SheShield’ safety app. This app aims to enhance the security of female solo travellers by offering real-time SOS functionality, verified lodging options, and community escort services. The app will provide users with a direct link to Himachal Pradesh Police, registered homestays, and specially trained community marshals. Additionally, it will offer safety ratings for various accommodations, trekking trails, and transport services. Users will also have the ability to report incidents anonymously, ensuring their concerns are addressed while maintaining privacy. The app, which will be developed in collaboration with the state’s IT department, is designed to make safety a top priority for women exploring the region.

The ‘SheTravel Policy 2026’ also aims to register and certify over 2,000 female-friendly accommodations by 2028. These properties, branded as ‘SheStays,’ will be promoted as safe spaces for female travellers. Furthermore, the policy includes the establishment of 12 gender-responsive tourism hubs across the state, ensuring that women travellers have access to dedicated services and support at key tourist destinations.

In a bid to increase female participation in the tourism industry, the policy proposes that women hold at least 40% of the positions in all tourism advisory and governance bodies. This would be accompanied by the creation of the Himachal Pradesh Women’s Tourism Fund, which would have an annual budget of Rs 50 crore. Additionally, the policy outlines a plan to train 5,000 women as trekking guides, homestay operators, tour leaders, and safety marshals by 2028. This training initiative will contribute to both empowering women and enhancing the state’s tourism infrastructure.

Another significant aspect of the policy is the introduction of gender audits for tourism infrastructure in the state. Himachal Pradesh would become the first state in India to implement a mandatory annual gender audit of its tourism sector. The initial phase of the policy includes conducting gender-sensitive safety audits at over 200 major tourist spots within the first year of implementation. To further improve safety, the policy plans to deploy 500 trained female tourist safety marshals, known as ‘SheGuards,’ at popular tourism spots by 2027.

The success of the policy relies on fostering a secure and inviting atmosphere for female travellers. Officials from the tourism department have emphasized that safety will be the key factor in the policy’s success. With Himachal already regarded as a safe destination for female travellers, the state is in a strong position to capitalize on this initiative. The department is focusing on improving safety infrastructure, creating women-friendly accommodations, and ensuring greater female representation within the tourism industry.

Currently, Himachal Pradesh sees an annual influx of approximately 16 million visitors, with the highest footfall concentrated in Kullu, followed by Shimla, Solan, and Kangra districts. Despite the high number of visitors, the share of solo women travellers remains relatively low at 18%. Tourism officials believe this presents a substantial opportunity for growth in the state’s tourism sector, particularly in attracting women who prefer to travel independently.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the policy, the tourism department has been conducting meetings with industry stakeholders to gather feedback and align efforts. These discussions are part of the ongoing efforts to finalize and roll out the policy in the near future.

By focusing on safety, empowerment, and infrastructure development, the SheTravel Policy 2026 aims to transform Himachal Pradesh into the ultimate destination for women travellers in India. With the state’s strong tourism potential and a commitment to creating a gender-sensitive environment, the policy promises to be a game-changer in attracting and retaining female solo travellers.

Original article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/