Female Based Tourism and its Benefits

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“My people” – I learn so much from my girlfriends when we spend quality time in the outdoors. Pictured here on an overnight hike to Ettrema Gorge. Photo by Tracy Gibson
It’s a beautiful day and we are excited to get out there!

As the group arrives the intros start, and banter is quick to follow. 

This all ladies adventure has a different vibe. It feels supportive and inclusive from the start. We are all liked minded women here for the same reason …. to hang out as girlfriends for the day, laugh, be active, find familiarity, share stories and be inspired by new perspectives. 

We just don’t make enough time for this anymore!

As an outdoor recreation instructor for over 18 years, I had the opportunity to develop and conduct many programs geared specifically toward women. In the process I met hundreds of amazing ladies! I have been mentored by some, admired many others and came to understand myself better along the way.

Women learn differently.

We explore our boundaries differently and we share with one another differently when we are supported in a space of our own.  This to me is the essence of why female based tourism has increased so much in popularity, particularly in the outdoor adventure space. I chatted recently to Monique Farmer, founder of female based adventure company Women Want Adventure. While the last 18 months have been devastating, due to COVID lockdowns, she reflected on the growth of her business since starting only a few years ago. She began with 20 day trips, which has now turned into over 150 weekend and week long adventures around Australia and (previous to this COVID) internationally as well. Facebook followers jumped from a few hundred in the first year to now over 20K! Women want to get their adventure on and connect!

As a leader for Women Want Adventure I have seen the growth and benefits of female based Adventure Tourism first hand.
Myself pictured guiding in Kosciusko National Park. Photo by Monique Farmer

Advances in technology are supposed to be increasing connectivity.

While there has been that ability to create online experiences, in the current climate, we are still feeling a bit isolated in our day to day lives. Stresses of work, relationships, bills, kids and managing a household take a toll. Especially when we are cut off from our traditional support networks.

Now more than ever women are looking for a sense of community.

Tourism based activities that create a positive and supportive environment are finding an audience craving a safe place to try something new. A space to feel connected, empowered and inspired. We forget the importance these qualities have in our everyday. Taking time to nurture them is one thing but having a venue or activity provided for you to find “your people” is vital.

My group on a week long adventure on the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Photo by Tracy Gibson
Connecting to the land and sea and holding space for each other depends our sense of self

The beneficial flow on effect into our relationships, work, inner dialogue and the environment we surround ourselves with is so valuable. It helps us to adapt to life’s ups and downs in a much more positive and healthy way. Society needs strong women who seek to know and love themselves. Women who stand by what they believe in, respect and love each other.

Have you found your people? Where is the space you go to for connection?

Published by tracemysteps

I grew up on horseback and hiking around a rural property but it was my love of the water and all things adventure that lead me to pursuing a professional career as a Kayaking Instructor. I combined completing a Bachelor of Communications degree with study in Outdoor Recreation. Since then have been leading Outdoor Education and Kayaking programs in Australia and around the world for nearly 20years. Kayaking is an amazing way to explore the planet. It’s the sense of freedom that kayaking provides and the endless variety in what you will experience in a day on the water that is so exciting, challenging and rewarding. Life in the outdoors has a way of changing the way you look at the world, engage with people and appreciate what our environment has to offer us as a teacher. Combining my love of the surf with kayaking I have also represented Australia at the Surf Kayak World Championships in 2007, 2009 and 2013 where I took out the title of Women’s HP World Champion. I was also awarded Guide/Instructor of the year in 2018/2019/2020 by Paddle Australia. I began making videos and writing Blogs about my travels just as a way to record the journey. It is the best way I found to savour the moments and photos, remember the people and places and to reminisce later to inspire my next experience. Whilst I still love to guide trips and coach, I am also combining my love of writing and adventure into a new direction with local Tourism to continue to promote our wonderful natural environment.

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