Kerala   

This abuse might prove costly Tourism Trail

The increasing incidents of abuse of tourists, especially women, visiting the State have raised concern among the stake-holders of the tourism industry and the Tourism Department when efforts are on to aggressively market the destination.

Incidents of ill-treatment of foreign tourists during New Year celebrations at Fort Kochi and other places have thrown up questions about the safety of women who arrive for holidaying.

A Swedish girl was abused in front of her father. Another foreigner faced problems while she was leaving the Fort Kochi beach after the celebrations. Things were not different at the famed beach resort of Kovalam which witnessed a heavy surge in the number of revellers.

Tourists prefer not to lodge complaints with the police. They fear it may hold them up here. In the Fort Kochi incident, the police have taken a suo motu case based on the statement of the local sub inspector and have arrested a 17-year-old youth.

In January last, Eva Coster, a Swede, was attacked in Thekkady by a youth. The woman lost her right eye in the attack. Union Government’s National Tourism Advisory Council Member T. Damu says the recent incident has brought disgrace to the State which had carved a place in the world tourism map. “It is totally against the culture of Kerala and the people of the State,” he said.

The tourism industry will be affected badly if embassies issue travel advisories to citizens warning them against visiting the State, he says.

“It will spread like wildfire and the reputation of the destination will be tarnished,” he added.

The strength of the tourism police should be increased and more personnel should be posted at major tourist spots, he said. The government should also launch awareness campaigns to educate local people, he said.

Tourism Secretary V. Venu says the Fort Kochi case should be seen as an isolated incident.

“We should have anticipated more revellers and posted adequate police personnel to ensure the safety of the tourists,” he said. Kerala is a safe destination and there is no threat to the tourist flow.

The government will take adequate steps to ensure the safety and security of tourists, he said.

“Discussions have already commenced at the government level to strengthen the tourism police,” Dr. Venu added.

Mr. Damu says a levy should be imposed on the tourism industry if the government cannot find resources to strengthening the tourism police. Tourism wardens, on the lines of traffic wardens, is worth trying, he noted.

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

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