India Advances Eco-Tourism and Tourist Safety Initiatives
The Ministry of Tourism in India is taking significant strides to promote eco-tourism through a comprehensive national strategy aimed at sustainable development. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance tourism in an environmentally friendly manner, with guidelines recently shared with various State Governments and Union Territories to encourage eco-friendly practices across the industry.
The newly formulated National Strategy for Development of Ecotourism emphasizes the importance of integrating green initiatives into tourism operations. Among these guidelines, hotels seeking star classification are required to implement eco-friendly practices, including the installation of sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, and effective waste management. Additionally, the guidelines advocate for pollution control measures and the adoption of non-CFC refrigeration equipment, all aimed at fostering sustainability in the tourism sector.
In line with these eco-tourism efforts, the Ministry has established the Travel for Life (TFL) program. This initiative encourages both tourists and tourism businesses to embrace sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the benefits of tourism can be enjoyed while minimizing environmental impact.
Enhancing Tourist Safety Across India
The Ministry of Tourism is equally committed to bolstering the safety and security of tourists throughout the country. While safety is predominantly the responsibility of State Governments, the Ministry is actively working with various administrations to create dedicated Tourist Police forces in several states and Union Territories. Notable regions such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have already deployed tourist police to enhance safety measures for visitors.
Additionally, the Ministry has launched a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline for both domestic and international travelers. This toll-free service offers support in 12 languages, providing crucial information and guidance to tourists in distress, thereby ensuring a safer travel experience.
The Government has also initiated the Nirbhaya Fund, a non-lapsable corpus fund aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women tourists. The Ministry has encouraged state authorities to utilize this fund for projects designed specifically to improve the safety of female travelers.
Alongside these initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism advocates for the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’. This set of guidelines is designed to foster respectful tourism practices, safeguarding the dignity and rights of both visitors and local communities, particularly vulnerable populations such as women and children.
This information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting tourism in a sustainable and secure manner.
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