Registration mandatory for city travel and tour agents

A security guard looks on at the Major Dhyanchand hockey stadium, in New Delhi. The revamped Major Dhyanchand National Stadium is the first among the Commonwealth Games venues to be opened.Photo: AP

With barely eight months left for the Commonwealth Games, Delhi Government has made registration mandatory for travel and tour agents in the city to ensure safety of tourists.

“Lakhs of foreign travellers are expected to visit the capital during the mega event and registration will streamline the travel operators,” a senior Delhi Government official said.

With the extravaganza drawing near, several agents have launched new deals to attract domestic and foreign travellers for sight-seeing tours in Delhi and nearby states.

The government’s move is aimed at cracking down on fly-by-night operators who allegedly cheat travellers and tourists.

“We want to encourage serious players as well as instil confidence among tourists. Hence, we will allow only license holders to carry out their business. Non-license holders will be strictly dealt with,” he said. This will also help the government access a vast database, creating an avenue for revenue and curbing malpractices.

According to recent studies and surveys by business chamber ASSOCHAM around 10 million international tourists are planning to visit India during the Commonwealth Games.