Question : CRIME AGAINST TOURISTS

(a) whether the number of incidents of crime against tourists, particularly against foreign tourists have been on the rise during the last three years and the current year in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of such incidents reported during the aforesaid period, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has put in place a Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism` to strengthen safety for the tourists;

(d) if so, the implementation/compliance status thereof by various stakeholders;

(e) whether the Government also proposes to open a guide centre for foreign tourists and provide female guide to single woman foreign tourist; and

(f) if so, the details thereof along with the other measures taken by the Government for the safety of tourists in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. K. CHIRANJEEVI)

(a) & (b): ‘Public Order’ and ‘Police’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. As such, prevention of crime, including crime against tourists is the primary responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territories. Ministry of Tourism does not compile the data on crimes, including crimes against foreign tourists. However, in order to ensure safety and security of the tourists, Ministry of Tourism has advised all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to deploy Tourist Police in the States/Union Territories. Some of the State Governments have deployed tourist police in one form or the other.

Further, the guidelines for formation of Tourist Security Organization(s) comprising ex-servicemen, formulated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in consultation with the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Directorate General of Resettlements have been forwarded to the State Governments/UT Administrations.

(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. The Union Ministry of Tourism, along with stakeholders has formally adopted the Code of Conduct for ‘Safe & Honourable Tourism’ on 01st July 2010. This is not a legally binding instrument but a set of guidelines for voluntary adoption by the Indian tourism industry. The Code encourages tourism activities to be undertaken with respect for basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents, in particular, women and children. The tenets of the Code have been incorporated in the guidelines for approval/classification of various categories of service providers related to the Travel Trade and Hospitality sectors, respectively, by the Ministry of Tourism, so that the objectives of ‘Safe & Honourable Tourism’ are achieved.

(e) & (f): At present there is no proposal under consideration in the Ministry of Tourism. However, a website www.indiatouristguide.org has been launched through which tourists can obtain details of licensed tourist guides (including female guides) and book their services.