Tourists must feel safe and welcome in India

Representation pic

As we mark World Tourism Day on September 27 (Sunday), it is time to introspect on how we can improve our ‘treat tourist' quotient and what we can do to truly make tourists feel safe and welcome here. While Indian hospitality is well known, we must do much more on the ground or at the basic level to improve our tourist safety and welcome quotient.

The first is for authorities to double down on scamsters/frauds trying to make money off tourists. There are any number of social media reels with tourists stating how they were scammed from the airport, at the arrival stage itself.

The police need to be extremely vigilant and take strict action if witnessed or a complaint is raised. We must have a dedicated helpline number, well advertised on social media and physically, which tourists can reach out to, in case of any eventuality. Locals must help and show kindness to bewildered tourists. We have many good Samaritans and people do pitch in; we just need more of those to help our guests on the ground.

Better signage on roads and at tourist sites is a must. Make these boards clear, easy to read and understand. We must also have the tourism police at certain spots.

Safety is most important. Our smaller hotels, resorts, and tourist stays must be safe; not every tourist arrives with a five-star budget. Tourist spots must prioritise safety over aesthetics.

Finally, cleanliness, especially in washrooms and other public places, says welcome like nothing else. We have a lot of work to do on the ground.