Government plans to Launch National helpline For Tourists

India Tourism

“India will soon launch a helpline for tourists to know more about various destinations and to seek help if they are in distress”, said Minister of State for Tourism Kumari Selja, at an International Buddhist Heritage Conference in Nalanda in Bihar organized with an aim to promote Buddhist circuit in India.

More than 110 eminent monks and scholars, academicians and tour operators are participating in the conference which has delegates from 18 countries. The conference aims to let people experience Buddhism in the land of origin.

Selja said, "I am of the firm view that security and safety of tourists is of paramount importance for sustained growth of the sector. The Centre will soon launch an all-India helpline for tourists. Tourists in distress will also be able to use it. Any adverse perception about the safety and security of tourists would seriously affect tourist arrivals in the country''

The remarks are significant as they come in the backdrop of increasing number of crimes against foreign tourists in popular destinations like Goa.

According to a tourism ministry official, any tourist, domestic or international, can call the helpline when in an emergency. They can also gather information about a place they intend to visit.
In December 2009, the foreign tourist arrivals in India saw a 21 percent increase.