| Abstract: | This paper presents a comprehensive theoretical exploration of the role of women entrepreneurs as custodians of cultural heritage in the context of Indian tourism. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the analysis integrates perspectives from feminist theory, cultural capital theory, sustainable tourism theory, and entrepreneurship theory. India provides the contextual backdrop, given its rich tapestry of cultural heritage and the growing involvement of women in tourism entrepreneurship. The paper argues that women-led ventures in tourism serve a dual purpose: they create economic opportunities and simultaneously preserve and promote traditional culture. By drawing solely on established literature and theoretical frameworks, the study delineates how women entrepreneurs leverage cultural knowledge and social capital to develop sustainable tourism businesses. Key insights highlight that these entrepreneurs often operate with an embedded social mission of cultural preservation, reflecting principles of sustainable tourism and challenging gender norms through their leadership. The discussion further examines public policy implications, suggesting that gender-responsive and culturally aware policies are crucial to support women in these roles. This theoretical analysis underscores the significance of empowering women entrepreneurs for the dual goals of heritage conservation and inclusive tourism development in India. |
