Tour operators hope to lure back firangs in the wake of 26/11 with better travel insurance package, armed security guards
Tour operators hope to lure back firangs in the wake of 26/11 with better travel insurance package, armed security guardsTour operators whose business took a beating in the wake of 26/11 have decided to offer terror insurance cover to convince foreign tourists that India is a safe destination. Some have gone a step further and even promised to provide security guards at no extra cost.u00a0u00a0
Tour operators are tying up with insurance companies to offer coverage in case of terror attacks along with the usual travel insurance to boost the tourism industry, which witnessed a 40 per cent drop after the terror attacks.
Iqbal Mulla, managing director, Treasure Tours & Travels, Andheri, said he had discussed the matter with a few insurance companies since his firm bore huge losses post 26/11. "Terror cover has become a necessity, today. Tourists do not have to pay extra for this cover; it will be a part of the package," he said.u00a0
Rajinder Rai, president, Travel Agents Association Of India (TAAI), agreed that providing terror insurance to tourists is the need of the hour. "We will provide terror cover to foreign tourists, but have yet to finalise a deal with insurance companies," he said.
That's not all. Mulla has been sending e-mails to his clients to convince them that India is a safe destination. His company now also offers security guards for the visitors. "We are tying up with security agencies and are hiring armed security guards who will accompany the tourists. We are ready to bear the cost of the guards," said Mulla.u00a0
Insuring your travelu00a0u00a0
A travel insurance policy usually covers the insured against various eventualities while travelling abroad, including accidents, loss of checked package, passport, medical expenses and repatriation. Premium for the insurance with terror cover will cost tourists an additional Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, depending on the package. They will be covered for amounts ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh.
4.83 millionNumber of tourists who came to India between October 2006 to October 2007
4.38 millionNumber of tourists who came to India between October 2007 to October 2008
