STRENGTHENING OF TOURIST SAFETY

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Tourism is actively strengthening tourist safety by encouraging the deployment of dedicated Tourism Police across states and UTs. Initiatives include utilizing the Nirbhaya fund for women's safety projects and promoting a 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism'. A 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline has been established, and an online system for accommodation and service provider approvals has been launched. Efforts are also underway to improve air connectivity to tourist destinations through collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Tourism Police Deployment:** * The Ministry of Tourism is urging State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to establish dedicated Tourism Police to enhance on-ground safety for tourists. * Several states and UTs, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttar Pradesh, have already deployed tourist police. * **Women's Safety Initiatives:** * State Governments and UT Administrations are being encouraged to access the 'Safe Tourism Destination for Women' initiative under the Nirbhaya fund. * This fund can be used for projects specifically designed to improve the safety and security of women tourists. * **Code of Conduct for Safe Tourism:** * The Ministry of Tourism, in conjunction with stakeholders and Tourism Departments of States and UTs, has adopted the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism'. * This code provides guidelines to ensure tourism activities respect basic rights, including dignity, safety, and freedom from exploitation for both tourists and local residents, with a particular focus on women and children. * **Tourist Helpline:** * A 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline is operational on toll-free number 1800111363 or short code 1363. * The helpline is available in 12 languages (including 10 international languages) to assist domestic and foreign tourists with travel information and guidance in distress. * **Online Approval System:** * An online system has been introduced for receiving, processing, and granting approvals for the classification of Accommodation Units and the recognition of Tourism Service Providers. * Applications can be submitted via the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI+) portal at nidhi.tourism.gov.in. * This online process is integrated with a payment gateway. * **Air Connectivity Improvement:** * The Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enhance air connectivity to key tourist destinations and emerging destinations with high potential. * Coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-Udan) involves sharing Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for 53 identified tourism routes. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments and Union Territory Administrations** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing the deployment of Tourism Police, availing the Nirbhaya fund for women's safety projects, and adhering to the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism'. * **Action Required:** Actively participate in establishing dedicated tourism police, apply for Nirbhaya fund benefits, and ensure compliance with the adopted code of conduct. **Tourism Departments of States and UTs** * **Impact:** Involved in adopting and implementing the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism' and supporting the online approval system for hospitality providers. * **Action Required:** Actively engage in the promotion and enforcement of the 'Code of Conduct' and facilitate the online application process for tourism service providers. **Accommodation Units and Tourism Service Providers** * **Impact:** Subject to new approval processes and potentially impacted by safety and conduct guidelines. * **Action Required:** Utilize the online portal (nidhi.tourism.gov.in) to file applications for classification and recognition, and adhere to the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism'. **Tourists (Domestic and Foreign)** * **Impact:** Benefit from enhanced safety measures through Tourism Police, access to a multi-lingual helpline for assistance, and potentially improved travel experiences due to better connectivity and regulated service providers. * **Action Required:** Utilize the 24x7 Tourist Helpline for support and information, and report any issues or concerns to ensure safety and security. **Ministry of Civil Aviation** * **Impact:** Collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism to improve air connectivity, including sharing Viability Gap Funding for identified tourism routes. * **Action Required:** Continue working with the Ministry of Tourism to implement and enhance air connectivity for tourist destinations under the RCS-Udan scheme.

Key Entities Referenced