THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Tourism Department will ensure the safety of women at major tourist destinations, including Kovalam in the state based on a study by the Tourism Mission.

Women will be assigned to provide various services in tourist centers such as taxi service, restrooms, guide services and other areas where there is a risk of violence against women. Reports of violence against women during taxi rides and by guides have prompted this action. In 2018, a foreign woman visiting Kovalam beach was abducted, raped and murdered by two men posing as tourist guides.

Another initiative is women-run homestays. Male-run homestays in hilly areas are considered unsafe for women especially those traveling alone. More female security personnel will be deployed at tourist destinations. Additionally, there will be tour packages led by women for women offering services like accommodation, food and transportation.

The Women-Friendly Tourism Scheme in tourist destinations was inaugurated in October 2022 by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammad Riaz. An allocation of 4.75 crore has been made for the project in the 2023-24 financial year. 1,800 women have received training, both in person and online.

Objectives of the program

Establishing a network of 150,000 women in travel.

Creating 10,000 new women-owned businesses.

Providing employment opportunities for 30,000 people.