Three months ahead of the Commonwealth Games here, the Union government on Thursday unveiled a code of conduct for the tourism industry aimed at enhancing the safety and security of all tourists and freeing the sector from exploitation.
Unveiling the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism,' Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said though such guidelines were developed by world bodies like the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), this code was based on India's futuristic needs and challenges. She preferred to call it “our own innovation inspired by the existing code of ethics of the UNWTO.”
The code would be applicable to all owners, suppliers, contractors and employees of the travel and tour sector, including hotels, restaurants, lodges, guest houses, tour agents and entertainment establishments. It would also be applicable to service providers such as event management organisations, entertainment providers, transport operators like taxis and buses, tour guides, and other services or agencies associated with the tourism sector.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ms. Selja urged all stakeholders to adopt the code at the earliest.
The code was developed by the Tourism Ministry in association with the Pacific Asia Travel Association India Chapter, Save the Children-India, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the Equitable Tourism Option.
It lays down detailed guidelines for the industry, with some components being the training of personnel, public awareness, regulated use of premises, ethical business practices and marketing.
ADVERTISEMENT
‘Sensitise tourists'
Ms. Selja stressed the need to launch a similar campaign to sensitise incoming tourists on refraining from indulging in any activity that might disturb the social fabric of the country.
According to studies conducted by the Ministry, a few alarming trends that have emerged in recent years point to sexual exploitation, paedophilia, prostitution in pilgrim towns and other tourist destinations, and cross-border trafficking.
Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee said the code was evolved to encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with respect for basic rights like dignity, safety, and freedom from exploitation of both tourist and local residents.