MoT finalises code of conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has finalised a code of conduct for ‘Safe and Honourable Tourism’ to be adopted by major stakeholders like hotels, tour operators, cab drivers and other hospitality-linked services. The code is likely to be unveiled on March 8, 2010 to commemorate International Women's Day.

The code will entail adopting guidelines that will ensure ethical business practices protecting women and children. This includes training of personnel, awareness drives, ethical marketing and business practices and regulation of usage of official equipment to prevent human trafficking and pornography. According to a report in Times of India, certain sources from MoT said that Kumari Selja, Union Minister for Tourism was keen that an action plan could be drawn up to put the code in place as early as possible. MoT has conducted consultations with industry bodies like Pacific Aviation Travel Association (PATA) and organisations like United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime and Equitable Tourism Option (EQUATIONS) on the issue.