Chapter 6: Empowering Women Through Sustainable Tourism: Special Reference to Sri Lanka

Sustainable tourism offers a powerful avenue for empowering women and promoting gender equality in Sri Lanka, where the industry drives economic growth and cultural preservation. However, women face challenges such as limited financial resources, cultural norms, inadequate skills, and restricted market access. This study examines strategies to overcome these barriers, emphasizing the role of women-led tourism enterprises in enhancing local economies, community well-being, and sustainable development. The research provides actionable insights to foster inclusive growth and leverage tourism as a catalyst for women’s empowerment and societal progress by evaluating policy frameworks, support mechanisms, and digital technologies.