The Himachal Pradesh government is considering a new initiative called the “SheTravel Policy” to improve safety and support for women travelling alone in the hill state. The proposed policy aims to create a gender-responsive tourism system that ensures physical security, better infrastructure and new economic opportunities for women.
Officials say the policy is still in draft form and has been circulated among stakeholders for feedback. If implemented, it could significantly reshape the tourism experience for solo female travellers visiting Himachal Pradesh, a region that already attracts a large number of independent women tourists each year.
According to the tourism department, the policy has a clear target: to increase the share of solo female travellers in the state’s tourist arrivals from the current estimated 18% to 35% within three years. Authorities believe that improving safety perception and facilities will encourage more women to travel confidently to the state.
Kangra district tourism development officer Vinay Dhiman said consultations with stakeholders are underway. One meeting has already been held in Dharamshala, and another is planned in Bir Billing, a popular destination among solo travellers, especially women.
The draft SheTravel Policy proposes a wide-ranging safety framework. One of its key features is the creation of a dedicated sub-portal within the state’s official tourism digital platform. This portal will be specially designed to provide verified information, safety tools and assistance for women travelling alone.
Officials said the government plans to conduct gender-sensitive safety audits of more than 200 major tourist destinations across the state within one year of the policy’s rollout. These audits will identify gaps in lighting, surveillance, transport safety and emergency response systems.
Another major proposal is the deployment of trained female tourist safety personnel, to be known as “SheGuards,” across Himachal. These marshals are expected to assist women travellers, monitor sensitive tourist zones and respond quickly in case of distress.
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The policy also recommends mandatory installation of CCTV cameras and panic buttons in all registered tourist accommodations. Hotels and guesthouses that meet women-friendly standards may be formally certified, creating a verified network of safe stays for female visitors.
Beyond safety, the policy aims to build dignified infrastructure such as clean public washrooms, improved last-mile connectivity and better signage at tourist sites. Officials say the broader goal is to make Himachal India’s first state to conduct an annual mandatory gender audit of its tourism infrastructure.
Tourism industry representatives in Shimla have largely welcomed the proposed policy, calling it a timely step. The Shimla Hotels and Tourism Stakeholders Association said the growing trend of women travelling solo or in women-only groups makes such measures necessary.
In a communication to the tourism department, the association described the policy as a positive move toward making Himachal more inclusive and tourist-friendly. However, stakeholders also flagged several ground-level issues that they believe must be addressed for the policy to succeed.
One key concern raised was the harassment of tourists by unauthorised guides, porters and touts who often chase tourist vehicles or aggressively solicit customers on roadsides. The association urged the government to strictly prohibit such practices, saying they create discomfort and safety concerns, particularly for women travelling alone.
Stakeholders also suggested the creation of an official online platform where only registered guides can offer services. This would allow tourists to hire verified guides through a transparent and regulated system, reducing the risk of fraud or harassment.
Another recommendation was to allow certified guides to operate from designated government tourism information offices. This, industry representatives believe, would help visitors access authentic services in an organised and secure manner.
Tourism officials said all suggestions received during the consultation process will be examined carefully before the policy is finalised. They emphasised that the SheTravel initiative is intended to be dynamic and will continue to evolve based on feedback and real-world experience.
If implemented effectively, the policy could position Himachal Pradesh as a national leader in gender-sensitive tourism. With solo female travel rising steadily across India and globally, the state hopes the initiative will not only improve safety but also unlock new economic opportunities for local communities, hospitality providers and women entrepreneurs.
Authorities believe that creating a safe, respectful and well-regulated tourism environment will ultimately benefit the entire sector while giving women travellers the confidence to explore the mountains independently.
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