With the aim of preventing crime against tourists, government today decided to launch an intense awareness campaign for safe tourism in places like Pahargunj in Delhi and Goa with the active participation of service providers. The decision was taken by the Ministry on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

To begin with, five most vulnerable areas for tourist exploitation in the country would be selected for spreading awareness among guides, tour operators, hoteliers, auto and taxi drivers.

"The five places which are more prone to crime involving tourists are drug abuse, immoral traffic, child abuse, cheating and other similar crimes, to be identified for launching a sustained campaign promoting safe and honourable tourism," said a senior Tourism Ministry official.

Places like Pahargunj and certain tourist spots in Goa, Kerala and North-East are likely to be identified in the first phase for a focused awareness campaign involving service providers.

Seeking a proactive role of service providers, the Ministry decided to involve auto and taxi drivers, guest house owners, policemen, guides and tour operators to prevent unethical practices in tourism sector.

"We have decided to conduct a short-term five-day training programmes for service providers to sensitise them about the safe and honorable tourism," said the official.