Chennai: Cholan Tours has announced a pioneering initiative with the introduction of professionally trained women chauffeurs to operate multi-day and long-distance tours across India, marking a first-of-its-kind concept in the Indian tourism sector.
With this move, Cholan Tours aims to redefine inclusive travel while creating structured career opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
For decades, long-route tour driving in India has remained predominantly male-driven. By opening this segment to women and building a structured employment framework around it, Cholan Tours is challenging traditional industry norms and reshaping the delivery of travel services.
Under this initiative, women chauffeurs will manage extended-hour, multi-day tours while maintaining the same standards of professionalism, reliability, and hospitality associated with Cholan Tours.
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The program has been designed to create measurable impact for both travellers and communities. For travellers – particularly solo women, families, and women-only groups – the presence of professionally trained women chauffeurs enhances comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.
At the same time, Cholan Tours is creating access to stable employment, financial independence, and long-term career pathways for women entering the tourism workforce.
To maintain service excellence, the company has implemented a comprehensive training structure for every woman chauffeur. The training program includes advanced driving skills, in-depth route and destination knowledge, safety protocols, and hospitality etiquette.
Additionally, Cholan Tours has established structured support systems such as safe accommodation arrangements during tour assignments to ensure the well-being and security of its drivers throughout long-distance operations.
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Cholan Tours: Creating Meaningful Opportunities
Commenting on the initiative, Pandian Kumaravel, Managing Director and Founder of Cholan Tours, said: “This is not just a new service. It is a step towards social change. For 23 years, we have focused on delivering memorable journeys.
Now we want to create meaningful opportunities. By introducing women chauffeurs for long-distance tours, we are empowering women, enhancing traveller confidence, and redefining inclusive tourism in India.”
To further institutionalise the initiative, Cholan Tours has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to facilitate the appointment of 100 women drivers for tour operations within the state.
Through this collaboration, the company aims to integrate gender inclusion into mainstream tourism services while contributing positively to community development.
