New Delhi, Feb 12: The Union Government has undertaken several initiatives to enhance on-ground safety mechanisms for tourists, although safety and security remain primarily a State subject.
The Ministry of Tourism has been consistently urging State Governments and Union Territory administrations to deploy dedicated Tourist Police. As a result, states and UTs including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh have introduced tourist police units.
To assist travellers, the Ministry operates a 24×7 multi-lingual Tourist Helpline on toll-free number 1800111363 and short code 1363. The helpline provides support in 12 languages, including 10 international languages, offering travel-related information and assistance to tourists in distress.
The Ministry has also encouraged States and UTs to utilise funds under the ‘Safe Tourism Destination for Women’ initiative supported by the Nirbhaya Fund. The scheme is aimed at improving safety and security measures for women tourists.
In collaboration with State Tourism Departments and other stakeholders, the Ministry has adopted a ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’ to promote tourism activities that uphold dignity, safety and protection from exploitation, particularly for women and children.
