Intrepid Travel announces a pioneering move with its first women’s tours to Saudi Arabia, aiming to promote cultural exchange and support local female businesses.
- Only five exclusive tour departures are scheduled, each designed for a small group of 12 travellers.
- The 12-day expeditions will commence in Riyadh, concluding in Jeddah, focusing on locally owned female businesses.
- These tours, led by female guides, aim to reveal a different aspect of Saudi Arabia.
- The initiative is credited to Zina Bencheikh and Sara Omar, both instrumental in shaping the concept.
Intrepid Travel has embarked on a novel venture by organising the first tours exclusively for women in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for this year. The tours are part of an initiative designed to drive cultural exchange and empower local female entrepreneurs. Only five departures are planned, with small groups of up to 12 participants. Each expedition spans 12 days, offering a unique perspective on the country beyond its traditional luxury resorts.
The tours start in Riyadh and conclude in Jeddah, featuring accommodations in female-owned establishments, including a boutique hotel, a heritage property, and a desert camp. This venture directly supports nine female-owned businesses, highlighting Intrepid’s commitment to promoting local entrepreneurship.
These tours are guided by women, intent on showcasing a side of Saudi Arabia often overlooked by typical tourism. EMEA managing director Zina Bencheikh remarked, “We strongly believe that travel can be a positive force for change. It connects people, broadens perspectives, and builds empathy.” She emphasised the opportunity to create meaningful change for local women through this initiative.
Throughout her visit, Bencheikh met numerous Saudi women eager to embrace societal changes and pursue careers in travel, viewing these tours as a platform to push boundaries. “On my own visit, I met many women who were embracing the changes in their society. They were excited to begin their careers in travel and welcome people to their country,” she shared.
Designed in partnership with local female entrepreneur Sara Omar, these tours aim to dispel misconceptions about Saudi women and foster connections. Sara Omar noted, “Meeting the locals is the best way to understand what the lifestyle is really like.” Intrepid’s product manager, Jenny Gray, echoed these sentiments, describing the trip as “a genuine force for good,” promoting local women’s voices through unique activities like cooking classes with local chefs and pampering sessions at women-owned salons.
Intrepid Travel’s women’s tours in Saudi Arabia represent a significant step in fostering cultural understanding and promoting female empowerment in the region.
