New Delhi: The 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline launched by the Ministry of Tourism is a major step towards making travel in India safer, easier, and more tourist-friendly.
This initiative aims to provide round-the-clock assistance to both domestic and international tourists in multiple languages. With tourism safety becoming a key national priority, the helpline offers immediate guidance, emergency support, and travel-related information across India, helping the country strengthen its image as a secure and welcoming global tourism destination.
Ministry of Tourism’s Focus on Tourist Safety
Tourist safety and security in India primarily fall under the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territory administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism has been playing an active supporting role by working closely with states and UTs to strengthen on-ground safety systems.
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Several states including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttar Pradesh have already deployed dedicated Tourist Police units. These units are trained to assist tourists, handle emergencies, and ensure a secure travel environment.
Key Features of Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline India
To further improve tourist support, the Ministry of Tourism has set up a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline that operates throughout the year.
How Tourists Can Reach the Helpline
Tourists can access the service through:
- Toll-free number: 1800111363
- Short code: 1363
This ensures easy access for travelers across the country, even in remote areas.
Language Support for Domestic and International Tourists
The helpline provides assistance in 12 languages, including 10 international languages, making it highly useful for foreign tourists visiting India.
The service offers:
- Travel-related information
- Guidance on destinations and services
- Emergency support for tourists in distress
- Help while travelling within India
This multilingual support helps remove language barriers and improves overall travel confidence.
Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline India: Special Focus on Women Tourist Safety
The Ministry of Tourism has been urging States and Union Territories to utilize the Nirbhaya Fund under the “Safe Tourism Destination for Women” initiative.
Funds can be used for:
- Improving infrastructure
- Enhancing surveillance and lighting
- Deploying trained personnel
- Strengthening safety measures for women travelers
This reflects the government’s commitment to making tourism safer, especially for women.
Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism
To promote responsible tourism, all States and UTs have adopted the Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism.
This code emphasizes:
- Respect for dignity and safety
- Protection from exploitation
- Equal treatment of tourists and local residents
- Special focus on women and children
It encourages ethical tourism practices and mutual respect between visitors and host communities.
Digital Reforms to Improve Transparency in Tourism
The Ministry has introduced an online system to improve transparency and accountability in tourism services.
Through the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI+) portal:
- Accommodation units can be classified
- Tourism service providers can get recognition
- Applications are processed digitally
- Payments are integrated online
This reform simplifies procedures and improves service quality.
Improving Air Connectivity to Tourist Destinations
Connectivity plays a vital role in tourism growth. The Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enhance air connectivity.
Key steps include:
- Identifying important and emerging tourist destinations
- Supporting routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN)
- Sharing Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for 53 tourism routes
These measures aim to improve access to lesser-known destinations with high tourism potential.
Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline India: Expansion of India’s e-Visa System
India’s e-Visa system has been significantly expanded to make travel easier.
Currently:
- There are 14 sub-categories of e-Visa, including e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Conference, e-Ayush, e-Student, and e-Film visas
- e-Visa is available to citizens of 175 countries
- Entry is allowed through 38 airports, 16 seaports, and 2 land ports
This has made India more accessible to global travelers.
Official Confirmation of Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline India
This information was shared by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, confirming the government’s ongoing commitment to tourism development and safety.
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