Exploring Cybersecurity Threats to Solo Female Travelers

The rise of solo female travel and increased reliance on digital tools for planning, booking, and activities highlight the significance of cybersecurity. However, this topic remains underexplored in tourism research, particularly for vulnerable solo female travelers. This study addresses the gap by examining the cybersecurity risk perceptions of solo female travelers, employing Protection Motivation Theory and conducting interviews with 26 solo female travelers worldwide. Findings reveal a remarkable shift in awareness, with participants moving from underestimating risks to adopting proactive measures. Commonly cited concerns include data breaches, identity theft, phishing, ransomware extortion, cyberstalking, and sexual harassment. Travelers expressed heightened susceptibility (threat appraisal) and a commitment to mitigation strategies (coping appraisal). They emphasized the importance of digital literacy, secure travel applications, and robust safety protocols. This study proposes that tourism businesses and destination managers institutionalize cybersecurity strategies that protect and empower digitally vulnerable solo female travelers, fostering trust and resilience.