A code of conduct for ‘safe and honourable’ tourism

The ministry of tourism has launched an initiative for “safe and honourable tourism”, essentially aimed to protect children and women from the negative aspects of tourism —physical/sexual abuse and trafficking. The ministry is in the process of drafting a “code of conduct” for all tour operators.
Several non-governmental organisations (NGO), including Equations, Pacific Asia Travel Association and United National World Trade Organisation, are also working on the final draft of the code.
“We have been facing the problem of exploitation of children and women since ages. Every time a scandal involving foreign tourists comes to light there is a hue and cry in the media and advisories are issued. Implementation of this code is important to enhance the country’s image and add more value to the Incredible India campaign. Sensitisation programmes and awareness campaigns would be immediately launched and an action plan would be drawn up to have the code in place within six months”, minister for tourism, Kumari Selja, said.
The code is being drafted as per the guidelines of the international ethics for tourism, and, according to a ministry press release, it is aimed at “protecting Indian culture, values and heritage and pave the way for a long-term sustainable and responsible tourism in India”.
“We want the tourism industry to adopt this code. On the basis of this code all the companies involved in tourism should frame their internal policies, train personnel, share information regarding child abuse... In addition, they should file an annual report”, chief functionary of Equations, Rosemary Viswanath, said.
Though there’s no consensus yet on the code, NGOs and activists are extremely enthusiastic as this is the final episode of their long-pending demand.
But many say that the code alone is not enough.
“Problems like child abuse and trafficking are related to tourism. Our laws are weak. There should be a proper legislation and stringent mechanism to tackle the problem. The tourism ministry should have a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse. The police, the judiciary and even panchayats should be sensitised and a proper child-line should be in place. There should also be a proper follow-up action”, Ms Viswanath said.
Goa formulated the Goa Children Act 2003 and amended it three years later in 2006.
Kerala is also aggressively campaigning for the protection of children and women, it has evolved a code of ethics for the tourists too.