Tourism and empowering women through handicrafts: A literature review of publications from the middle east and south asia in tourism journals

Abstract

This article delves into the pivotal role of women entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) within rural areas, with a particular focus on the Middle East and South Asia. This study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between women's empowerment, handicrafts, and tourism development through an extensive literature review of publications from tourism and hospitality industry journals. We examine central themes such as women's economic empowerment, capacity development in handmade goods, and the promotion of cultural heritage tourism in the context of achieving the United Nations' SDGs. Additionally, the article highlights the growing global interest in the handicraft industry and the entrepreneurial activities of female artisans, recognizing female-run businesses as vital for job creation, economic growth, and women's empowerment. By analyzing data, the study identifies key themes: 1) women's empowerment, 2) handicraft capacity, 3) training and education, and 4) heritage tourism as a core market. The research suggests potential implications for addressing the challenges faced by female artisans and tourism destinations, while also identifying gaps and proposing directions for future research in this domain. © 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing.