Tourism ministry to evolve code of conduct for tourism service providers

The ministry of tourism has launched an initiative on 'Safe and Honourable Tourism', which would essentially promote the cause of protecting women and children from the negative aspects of tourism.

This is a step towards evolving a code of conduct for all tourism service providers and protecting our culture, values and heritage to ensure long-term sustainable and responsible tourism in India, a government release said today.

This initiative was launched at a meeting chaired by Tourism secretary and chairman of PATA India Chapter Sujit Banerjee in association with `Save the Children India', United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Equitable Tourism Option (EQUATIONS) and NEST India Foundation through the PATA India Chapter for its implementation.

Such an initiative is important and essential to enhance the country's image and add more value to the Incredible India Campaign, the release said, adding that the ministry of tourism will also work with National Commission for Women in this regard.

The meeting decided to launch sensitisation programmes and awareness campaigns immediately followed by an action plan drawn up for putting in place the code of conduct within 6 months.