Tourism Ministry to launch helpline, welcome card to attract tourists

The helpline service is being operational in two languages — Hindi and English to begin with, later on the service will be available in 10 international languages including Russian, German, French and Spanish, said a senior Tourism Ministry official.

There was a need for the all-India helpline number and the ministry was keen to provide the same in backdrop of harassment and fleecing of tourists at the hands of touts and other unscrupulous elements.

A tourist (domestic/foreigner) can call the number from anywhere now if he or she wants to lodge any complaint or know about any particular tourism site, said the official.

Ministry will also launch a Welcome Card, a first of its kind, for overseas tourists.

“The card will be given to foreign visitors after their arrival at the international airports,” he said.

The Welcome Card will contain details of various emergency numbers as well as the helpline number for tourists.

“Namaste, Welcome to Incredible India. We are delighted to have you as our guest,” the card will carry this message. Sharma after taking over as Tourism minister had promised to ensure safety and security of tourists particularly foreigners.

“We want to provide end-to-end service to tourists”, he had said. Ministry will also launch e-ticketing for the Taj Mahal and Humayun Tomb.

“Now one can book entry tickets for Taj Mahal and Humayun Tomb online through IRCTC website,” said a senior IRCTC official.

IRCTC in coordination with Tourism Ministry is launching the e-ticketing project. “We are beginning with the Taj and the Humayun Tomb later on more ASI protected monuments will be covered under the e-ticketing project,” said the official.