ATITHI DEVO BHAVA: WELLBEING & PROTECTION OF WOMEN TOURISTS

Abstract

Abstract:- The government acknowledged the issue of safety and security of women at tourist destinations. Responding to the gang rape of a foreign woman tourist and series of harassment cases against women tourists, the Ministry of Tourism launched a campaign “I respect women†in 2013. While the initiative shows recognition of the issue by the Ministry, one wonders if the reason was because India's image globally was taking a beating or if they were truly concerned because of the harassment faced by women tourists. Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 for women. What has prevented the government to strengthen the mechanisms like Code of Conduct for Safe and Honorable Tourism? The code was launched by the MoT in 2010 which aims to encourage tourism activities with respect to basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents i.e. people and communities. Lack of awareness about the code among state tourism officials and lack of legal enforceability allows service providers such as hotels, restaurants, lodges, guest houses, tour agents, transport operators like taxis, buses, tour guides and other services to escape from their responsibility to make the destination safe and secure. Alone female traveler also face unwanted attention or overwhelming obstacles .This paper highlights the safety and security of women tourist and making tourism work for women is the need of the hour. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone. The government and the tourism industry need to respond to the critical questions raised by engaging with the issues at a systemic level to ensure that woman’s needs and rights are taken into account in tourism.

Keywords:- Women Tourist, Wellbeing & Protection.