Atithi Devo Bhava! Foreign tourists to be welcomed with garlands at airports

New Delhi: With a view to prevent fleecing of foreign tourists and creating a safe and secure environment for them, Tourism Ministry is set to roll out red carpet at airports to receive guests with garlands in a true 'Atithi Deva Bhavo' style. A comprehensive plan is being worked out to provide end-to-end service to overseas tourists, new Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma told PTI.

The end-to-end service is likely to be launched as "Meet & Greet" foreign guests in the coming days. As per the plan, foreign tourists will be welcomed at airports with garlands and will be assisted by trained personnel in getting transportation and tourist guides. The facility will be provided through out their journey.

There have been many cases of fleecing and harassment of foreigners by touts and taxi operators at airports and railway stations across the country. "Preventing fleecing of tourists by touts is one of my top priorities as it is causing a bad name for the country," Sharma said.

Ministry will also set up facilitation centres at airports to receive foreign tourists. Facilitation centres will be set up at international airports first and later at other places like domestic airports and railway stations, he said.

Trained personnel wearing uniforms with Incredible India logo will be manning these centres.

"Tourists will be provided whatever help they require during their stay in the country. Idea is to extend a personnel touch so that they feel safe and secured," he said.

Ministry officials will take up the matter with police and airport authorities to ensure allowing only authorised taxis to operate at airports. Steps will also be taken to monitor taxis through GPS tracking system at airports.