Abstract:
Sri Lanka has become an increasingly attractive destination for foreign solo female
travellers, offering diverse natural and cultural resources that encourage independent
exploration. Solo female travel, however, is not merely about leisure but a gendered
practice intersecting with safety, empowerment, and cultural negotiation. The main
objective of this study is to examine foreign solo female travellers' experience in Sri
Lanka while fostering a more inclusive, female-friendly travel culture. Adopting an
interpretivist philosophy and guided by feminist theory, this qualitative study draws
on semi-structured interviews with 14 foreign female tourists across Colombo,
Kandy, Hikkaduwa, Bandarawela, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, and Habarana. To
identify the key themes, the data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using
thematic analysis, following the six-phase framework proposed by Braun and Clarke
(2013). Findings reveal that Sri Lanka’s natural attractions (beaches, wildlife,
landscapes) and cultural heritage (historic sites, cuisine, community interactions)
strongly motivate solo female travel. Opportunities for adventure and exploration
further enrich experiences. The study concludes that feminist perspectives reveal the
coexistence of empowerment and vulnerability, as patriarchal norms, safety concerns,
and gendered gazes continue to influence women’s mobility. The study recommends
gender-sensitive tourism strategies, including enhanced safety measures, awareness
campaigns, and community engagement, to create a supportive environment for solo
female travellers. By embedding feminist insights, Sri Lanka can position itself as a
pioneering destination promoting women’s mobility, empowerment, and cultural
exchange.
