Govt unveils safety code for tourists

NEW DELHI, JULY 1
Aiming at ensuring safety for foreign and domestic tourists, Government today launched the ‘code of conduct for safe and honourable tourism’ in the country.
The code, first of its kind, was released ahead of the Commonwealth Games by Tourism Minister Kumari Selja. It aims at strengthening safety and ensuring that Indian tourism follows international standards of safe tourism practices, applicable for both tourists and local residents.
These are guidelines to encourage tourism with respect for basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents, said Selja.
The code also recommends stringent measures against involuntary drug abuse, manipulated and incorrect information, cultural and social intolerance that increases vulnerability to crime.
The guidelines would be applicable to all the owners, suppliers, contractors and employees of the travel and tour sector including hotels, restaurants, lodges, guest houses, tour agents and entertainment establishments. Service providers will also come under its ambit.
The guidelines will aid prevention of prostitution, sex tourism and forms of sexual exploitation like assaults and molestations to safeguard tourists — women and children in particular.
Selja said the code would ensure that Indian tourism follows international standards of safe practices — applicable to both tourists and local communities who may be impacted by tourism in some way.
Hotel managements and tour operators will maintain two people as focal points to ensure that all safety norms and guidelines of this code are adhered to.
The officers shall provide correct information to tourists like information on child lines — 1098, women’s help lines – 1091 and local police helplines — 100.
The pointsmen will act as a liaison with the local police and immigration authorities, women and child welfare committees and civil society partners to ensure safe tourism.
In case of an incident of exploitation, personnel will be sensitised to report correct information with law enforcement agencies and other agencies providing care and support, according to the guidelines.
Guidelines stipulate that identified victims (abused tourists) will not be treated as criminals. They should be identified as persons in need of care and protection and should be provided with legal, medical, psycho-social and assistance without delay.
Reacting to the incidents of rape involving two Dutch women and a Brazilian woman recently, Selja said these are shameful incidents and should not have happened. “Our law enforcing agencies are doing the needful,” she said.