Hoteliers seek tourist-friendly environment for successful implementation of SheTravel policy

Shimla: A day after Himachal Pradesh's tourism department unveiled SheTravel, an initiative aimed at encouraging solo women travellers to visit the state, hotel and restaurant associations on Friday called on the govt to ensure a tourist-friendly environment for the effective implementation of the proposed policy.The Hotel and Restaurant Association, Dharamshala, urged the Himachal Pradesh govt to introduce focused policy measures aimed at enhancing safety and the overall travel experience for solo women travellers, thereby positioning the state as a leading destination for women-friendly tourism in India.
Proposes series of interventionsThe association proposed a series of key interventions, including the establishment of dedicated women tourist assistance desks, increased police patrolling at major tourist destinations, and the installation of CCTV surveillance, along with robust emergency response systems.To build trust and confidence, the association also recommended the introduction of a women-safe accommodation certification for hotels, homestays, and guest houses. This certification would ensure verified staff, secure premises, and the availability of women-friendly facilities, and should be promoted through official tourism platforms.Ashwani Bamba, the president of the Hotel & Restaurant Association, Dharamshala, said: "With an increasing number of women opting for independent travel, ensuring their safety, comfort, and confidence became a critical priority for the tourism sector. Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic landscapes and warm hospitality, has immense potential to attract this growing segment of travellers, provided adequate safety and support systems are put in place."According to Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholder Association president Mohinder Seth, the utmost priority of the state govt under the policy should be women's safety."The trend of women travelling alone, or in women-only groups, to tourist destinations in India is steadily increasing. The new policy by the tourism department is a welcome step, but its successful implementation will require several systemic changes. The department will have to focus on women's safety and creating infrastructure that makes women feel safe and secure in the state," said Seth.Meanwhile, the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholder Association said the tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, especially Shimla, urgently needed reforms in certain long-standing practices to foster a welcoming and visitor-friendly atmosphere.‘Prohibit the practice of guides, porters'"Shimla is the only destination in Himachal Pradesh where, upon entering the city, tourists are frequently followed by guides, porters, or touts calling out ‘hotel, hotel', which often causes discomfort and anxiety among visitors. The stopping of tourist vehicles by such individuals within the city also contributes to traffic congestion," said the association in a statement."Despite online booking becoming a norm, some guides, porters, and touts stationed on the roads mislead tourists and attempt to pressure them into staying at accommodation of their choice. Chasing tourist vehicles is prohibited as it poses safety risks and may lead to unpleasant incidents, yet there is no stopping the guides and porters. Also, depriving tourists of their free choice regarding accommodation and travel falls under the definition of malpractice under the Tourism Act and constitutes a punishable offence," added the statement.The state govt should completely prohibit the practice of guides, porters, and touts chasing tourist vehicles and conducting unauthorised roadside guiding activities, the statement said.The memorandum will be formally submitted to the authorities soon, the statement added.The proposed policy targets doubling the share of women solo travellers from around 18% of the total footfall to 35% by 2028, and positioning Himachal Pradesh as "India's premier destination for female solo travellers". MSID:: 128848754 413 |