Navigating Risks and Constraints: The Role of Destination Image in Empowering Women Travelers
Nikki Clair Dedel, Dorena Mae Binonggo, Juliana Latonio, Heart Maree Monteverde, Kyndra Aradillos
Received: 28 February 2026; Revised: 27 March 2026; Accepted: 12 May 2026; Published: 14 May 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.66074/CFP99Q11W2
Abstract
Female tourism is one of the most significant topics in contemporary tourism, and its growth in the industry has been observed. However, they are among the most vulnerable groups, facing risks and constraints that shape their travel decisions. This descriptive-correlational study examines destination image as a mediator between expected risks, travel constraints, and visit intention among a sample of young women in Davao City, Philippines. Although the literature shows that women are likely to be concerned about crime and financial risks, as well as structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal constraints that usually limit intentions, no single study has examined subtle differences between the genders in the Philippines, creating a gap in local research. This work provides insight into the role of a positive destination image, as it enables negotiation of obstacles through Prospect Theory, Constraints Theory, Image Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Using mean, correlation, and regression analysis on stable Likert scale data by surveying purposely sampled women (ages 18–30) who have recently engaged in leisure travel, they find neutral expected risk, low constraining factors, and high visit intention, with no significant direct relationship between risks, constraints, and the visit intention. Rather, destination image is a significant predictor of intention directly, with no mediation, revealing the resilience of women travelers and disputing the existence of negative impacts. Such results compel Davao authorities to promote more safety and women-friendly certifications and invite tourist destinations to be more inclusive and gender-equality-based.
Keywords: destination image, expected risks, female tourism, travel constraints, travel intention, women travelers
Corresponding Author Information: Lyceum of the Philippines – Davao, Davao City, Philippines; dnikkiclair@gmail.com
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2026