WORKING WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE: SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS, ISSUES AND EXPECTATIONS FROM INDIAN BUDGET HOTELS
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Abstract
Women empowerment and entrepreneurship opportunities have allowed women to drive the world economy. In India, Female entrepreneurs empower 50% of the start-up ecosystem, motivated by opportunities and education. Therefore, it is an opportunity and responsibility of hotels to provide safe and secure stays to these women traveling for business or other official reasons. A qualitative research approach has been applied to understand single lady travelers’ safety and security needs and expectations. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with working women to understand the safety and security features that can promote the female economy in tourism.
The data was analyzed using content analysis. The research findings reveal that these females consider safety and security to be the topmost considerations when selecting hotels. Some basic features expected from budget hotels are ‘good location of the hotel, confirmation of room booking, pick-up, and drop, safe location of the room, presence of female employees, proper room locking system, monitored CCTV in corridors and other public areas, female security guard, and DND facility. This research study has significant implications for budget hotels, as adding these services will increase the revenue generated from female travelers.