Insight Vacations will offer small group women-only tours to encourage solo travel and shine a spotlight women in the sector, beginning in 2025.
To mark the launch and in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), the 11 new tours can be booked with an 8% discount, available until May 31.
Insight Vacations also has an incentive for UK and Ireland agents, giving them £100 per booking in Lifestyle shopping vouchers (or €100 One4All shopping vouchers) for each eligible solo female travel package booking made from March 8-April 8.
Kelly Walker, UK & EU sales director, said: “We’re very excited to announce our incentive scheme for women-only tours. Not only does it provide travel agents with well-deserved recognition for the hard work they do, but it also gives them a chance to encourage women to take on the challenge of seeing the world solo, as well as the option to make incredible memories with friends or family.”
The development of Insight Vacations’ women-only tours follows research with Journey Women, and a survey of more than 1,000 female travellers.
Results showed that 65% of those polled “look for tour companies that offer women-only tours or solo trips for women” while 43% “feel the travel industry ignores solo or older female travellers”.
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The new tours will have up to 24 guests and feature ‘Make Travel Matter’ experiences that focus on local traditions and businesses owned by women.
During the Country Roads of the Deep South tour, travellers can learn about the women’s civil rights movement, while those on the Country Roads of Italy Tour can visit a weaving association owned and run by women in Perugia (pictured).
The Best of Morocco Tour features a baking class at a women’s cooperative which empowers women to become professional chefs.
Kelly Jackson, EMEA managing director at Insight Vacations, said: “As a travel brand we are always intent on inspiring inclusion, which is why we wanted to open doors to these women on what is a special global day around the world.
“Our women-only tours are something we’ve carefully developed for women, by women to meet their unique needs whether it is exploring new cultures, overcoming their fears, or meeting new friends.”
Insight Vacations has also created a social travel group on Facebook for women: “Insight Vacations Women-Only Travel Community”.
It aims to encourage women to join and discuss travel, share tips and find others with similar interests.