Promoting gender inclusivity through community-based tourism

Inclusivity has become a critical focus in tourism studies, but still limited attention has been given to how tourism advances women's economic participation in societies with entrenched gender roles. This study addresses this gap by examining shifts in gender dynamics across five villages on Iran's Qeshm Island following the rise of community-based tourism. Employing ethnographic methods, the research draws on in-depth interviews with 57 participants conducted during two separate periods in 2022, alongside observations. Findings demonstrate how tourism pathways can become more gender inclusive and highlight the importance of women's early engagement in tourism for advancing path inclusivity, leading to renegotiation of gender norms. The study underscores the role of community efforts and external support in driving sustainable gender transformation.