26,000 taxi drivers to be trained in finer points of etiquette in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa and Aurangabad
Renuka's mantra: Treat foreign tourist as god Indo-Asian News Service
http://www.eians.net/2005/01/19/19ren.html
New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Foreign tourists visiting 'Incredible India' can expect to be treated like god and not as gullible victims to be fleeced at will in the not too distant future.
This is what the tourism ministry's ambitious initiative entitled Atithi Devo Bhava, Sanskrit for guest is god, plans to achieve.
Minister of State for Tourism Renuka Chowdhary, who launched a public awareness campaign here Wednesday, predicted a multiple increase in tourist inflow into the country due to this "attitudinal change".
If all goes well, cheats who are known to fool foreign tourists, like the smooth-talking taxi driver, the guide reciting some made up story in the name of Indian history and their other enterprising compatriots will soon become history.
"The perception of what tourism means to a country has to undergo a sea change if India has to move from its current status (3.3 million foreign tourists in 2004) to the top 10 tourist destinations in the world," said Chowdhary.
Atithi Devo Bhava (ADB) is a multi-faceted exercise that will involve sensitisation, screening, induction, training and orientation of key players in the tourism industry.
The campaign will be implemented in a phased manner over a period of three years. The first phase will cover Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa and Aurangabad. By April 1 next year, 26,000 taxi drivers will be trained in the finer points of etiquette.
Besides, the ADB certification will be given to taxis, hotels and shops for achieving standards and excellence. This certification will be valid for six months and will be renewed only after a fresh appraisal and re-orientation of the service provider.
"The ADB logo will be a status symbol. It will stand for quality and reliability. If a foreign tourist spots ADB logo on a taxi or restaurant, he can be sure that he is in the right place," said Chowdhary.
Providing a macro picture of tourism's role in India's development, the tourism minister said: "Tourism is an engine of development and change. It is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country. It is one of the biggest employers; it employs more people than IT industry and agriculture."
"Through this programme, we plan to tap into inherent hospitality embedded in our collective psyche. Our goal is to make India the number one foreign destination," she added.
"People have to be sensitive and aware of the role of tourism; otherwise we will kill the goose that lays the golden egg. When tourism happens, prosperity increases," the upbeat minister said. ------------------------------------------------
Viva Goa,
Miguel
