Safe and honourable tourism’s new mantra

The adoption of code of conduct for ‘safe and honourable’ tourism, containing a set of guidelines to encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with regard to basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents, in particular women and children, would help to improve the image of country, as per a latest communication to the states by the union tourism ministry. All the Chief Ministers of the state governments and administrators of Union territories have been asked to take appropriate measures.

“Tamil Nadu is far better than other states in the country both in terms of tourist safety and also in generating warmth for our visitors. These and the infrastructural development and tranquil ambiance have made the state emerge as first in India to attract foreigners and first State for the second time in a row in attracting domestic tourists in 2014. We hope to retain our top position this year too,” a senior official of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) said on Monday.

Tamil Nadu, an ideal destination for tourists visiting the state all through the year, continues to attract heritage lovers and adventure buffs. The Mamallapuram, Chennai, Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari are among the prominent destinations that have attracted tourists by the drove.

“We hope to spring back to our unique position from this month-end, recovering from the fury of the torrential rains. As Margazhi is the major tourist season for foreigners, we anticipate our business to rev up in the coming days,” says M. Chakravarthy, a hotelier.