Tourist Safety In High-Risk Tourist Destinations: A Priority For Growth For Indian Tourism
Tourism is an economic factor, a catalyst for growth, and exemplifies a nation’s openness and contribution to global diversity. As India promotes and develops itself as a significant global travel destination, establishing a safe and secure environment for all tourists will always be everyone’s consideration, including the Government of India . The Government of India understands that a safe travel environment is important not only for the well-being of tourists but also for branding the country as welcoming and safe.
Although the safety and security of visitors remain primarily the purview of State Governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations, the Ministry of Tourism continues to liaise with state and UT officials and identify areas of improvement for on-ground mechanisms. One of the most visible mechanisms endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism is the development of dedicated Tourism Police, which are resourced and trained solely to assist visitors and facilitate safety. To this end, to date, several states and UTs have implemented tourist police (in various forms) through the Ministry of Tourism’s continuous effort; Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh have all deployed tourist police units. Tourism police units are based on best practices in related concepts and are trained to address issues related to tourist policing, assist tourists, and create a positive interface between local law enforcement and visiting individuals.
Tourist Helpline: A Lifeline for Travellers
Recognizing that tourists often face language barriers and unfamiliar environments, the Ministry of Tourism has also set up a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline. Accessible via toll-free number 1800-111-363 or short code 1363, this service is a vital support system for travellers in India. The helpline currently offers assistance in 12 languages—Hindi, English, and 10 international languages including German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic.
This initiative goes beyond providing travel-related information. It acts as a safety net for tourists in distress, whether due to health emergencies, safety concerns, or logistical challenges. For international travellers, the ability to communicate in their own language creates a sense of comfort and reassurance, reinforcing India’s image as a tourist-friendly country.
Focus on Women’s Safety in Tourism
The safety of women travellers has been given special attention, acknowledging that confidence in secure environments significantly boosts tourism inflows. The Government has established the Nirbhaya Fund, a dedicated, non-lapsable corpus administered by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. This fund supports projects specifically aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women.
The Ministry of Tourism has been consistently urging States and UTs to leverage this fund through the ‘Safe Tourism Destinations for Women’ initiative. These projects may include the installation of surveillance systems, improved street lighting in tourist areas, deployment of women tourist police, and awareness campaigns to create a safer travel ecosystem. As part of this scheme, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been sanctioned approximately ₹16.79 crore, making it one of the early adopters of this crucial program. Such initiatives not only encourage domestic women travellers but also assure international visitors of India’s commitment to safe tourism.
A Comprehensive Plan For Tourist Security
The nature of travel in high-risk, sensitive destinations must be comprehensive in nature to ensure tourist safety. Infrastructure development, enhancements to safety training for police and hospitality staff, technological developments for surveillance, and engagement of community members are all crucial in developing a comprehensive safety policy that encourages tourists to visit. The Ministry’s activities supported levels of state measures, which addressed personal and property safety in tourism by promoting safety as an integral aspect of travel, rather than an afterthought.
Additionally, safety in tourism is more than the prevention of crime; it is fundamentally about trust. If tourists feel secure, they are more likely to travel extensively, engage in places where local communities benefit, and positively impact the economy. In this regard, spending on safety is directly proportional to revenue and place branding for “Destination India.”
#TouristSafety#SafeTravelsIndia#ResponsibleTourism#moderntourismindia
#printpublication#printmagazine
