2023, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Indrajit Dutta

abstract
Prior to the covid-19 pandemic the travel and tourism industry were considered the fastest growing industry and this sector has colossal potentials for economic development and reformations at the global context. Entrepreneurship paves the path of not only self-development but also inclusive economic growth of nations, especially the developing nations. Women throughout the ages, have contributed immensely to the tourism industry as an employee at various capacities however, women entrepreneurship in this sector has played and can play a pivotal role in self-development and empowerment in the developing economies. Meghalaya a picturesque state of the north-eastern part of India and its unique traditional customary laws has become a popular area of study for many researchers. The state following the matrilineal society norms, makes it easy for the women from the major tribes, namely the Khasis and the Garos to empower themselves and be successful entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. With the lifting of the travel restriction due to the pandemic, the recent trends have shown increase of tourist foot fall in the state hence resulting in more women participation in the tourism sector and donning the role of entrepreneurs as tourism stake holders of the state. The study was conducted to understand the role of women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector and to highlight the challenges faced by them along with focussing on women empowerment through entrepreneurial practices and thereby influencing and motivating other women to participate actively in the tourism industry and be self-sustained.