Women’s Participation in Tourism Consumption and Its Barriers in the Context of North East India

Globally, women face unequal access to tourism consumption compared to men, largely due to the uneven distribution of household responsibilities such as childcare and homemaking, which limits their leisure time, especially in developing countries. In many societies, cultural norms further restrict women's mobility and leisure choices. In the context of North East India, women encounter multiple barriers to tourism consumption, including safety concerns, financial limitations, and societal constraints. This paper highlights women’s participation in tourism consumption and its barriers with reference to the North East India.

Women tend to prefer family-friendly or culturally familiar destinations, often avoiding places they perceive as unsafe or unfamiliar. This is particularly relevant in North East India, where issues of security, political unrest, difficult terrains, and inadequate infrastructure can deter women from traveling. While matrilineal societies, such as those in Meghalaya, exist in the region, patriarchal norms still prevail, limiting women's freedom in public life, including tourism.

A significant barrier is the perception of safety for both solo women travelers and groups, compounded by the lack of reliable transportation and political unrest in certain regions. Cultural differences and unfamiliarity with the region’s social customs can also make women feel uncomfortable discouraging them from indulging in travel and tourism.

Despite these challenges, women in North East India are increasingly participating in the tourism sector. They are becoming key providers of tourism-related services such as handicraft production, guiding, managing homestays, and running small-scale businesses. Women's involvement in community-based tourism, particularly in rural areas, can help break down barriers and foster inclusive tourism, ultimately empowering women economically and socially. Equal social justice between men and women of the region is required to encourage more women for participating in tourism activities.