The tourist helpline is available in English and Hindi at present and will be rolled out in 10 other languages including Russian, French and German soon. Tourists can file complaints and get information about tour sites and attractions. The helpline can be used to file complaints or to get information about attractions and tour sites.
The Indian tourism industry is attempting to improve the country’s profile after a string of high profile assaults. India is aiming to enlarge its share of the global tourism industry, and is especially working to drive up interest during the festival season between January and March.
India has also introduced special tourist carriages in trains plying in the country. The plans will be put in place on trains that travel through or terminate at the popular attractions.
Minister of State for Tourism, Mahesh Sharma said, “We will have complete information of any passenger who books a ticket for this coach. The ticket for this may be 5-10 per cent costlier than the regular coach fare. We are also looking at the possibility of a surveillance camera in the tourist coach.”
Though most tourists experience a trouble-free visit, travel advisories from several countries advice that women should avoid avoid travelling alone on public transport, taxis or auto-rickshaws.
In 2013, the ministry also introduced “I respect women” badges that taxi drivers were supposed to wear, though that idea failed to take off.
