Some points prepared by the Ministry of Tourism & Government of India, Part – 2:

The Seven Point of Atithi Devo Bhavah Programme:

Atithi Devo Bhavah is a programme of hospitality and training. Sensitization- sensitize various sections of the tourism industry about how each of them has to contribute for the growth of the tourism industry and how they will benefit from the programme .

Training and Induction- explaining to them the needs and expectations of the tourist, how they should respond and behave in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of the tourist.

Motivation- must be generated to participate in this programme through various measures e.g. Awards for the best worker in the segment. An enthused worker can do wonders. Certification to ensure standards at various stages.

Feedback- Feedback must be obtained from tourists about the service they have received and the experience they have had, in order to improve the training programme on a continuous basis.

General Awareness- The mass media communication campaign must be undertaken to create general among the public about the necessity and the benefits of the Atithi Devo Bhavah Programme.

Ownership-The Atithi Devo Bhavah programme is a movement which will urge all segments of the Indian society to adopt, and look upon it as their own.

The Charter of the Programme:

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Hygiene and Cleanliness shall cover the areas of product, for example, vehicles like taxies, hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, etc., personal hygiene and cleanliness of the person providing the service and cleanliness of the monuments / places of tourist interest.

Conduct and Behaviour: The person concerned, for e.g. the taxi driver / hotel employee shall behave in a courteous and polite manner towards tourists.

Integrity and Honesty: The person providing service to the foreign tourists should display honesty and integrity.

Safety and Security: The safety and security of the tourists shall be ensured.

PR Road Shows : Besides training, PR Road shows are also undertaken with the tourism trade in order to generate active participation and create an ownership of the Atithi Devo Bhavah programme. Right now the contact programmes are being conducted in several cities.

Mass Media Communication : Communication in newspapers, TV, cinema and outdoors is also carried out to create general awareness about the Atithi Devo Bhavah programme and to communicate to key stakeholders as to how it is in their own interest that foreign tourists be treated well so that they will go back happily carrying fond memories.

Courtesy : Ministry of Tourism Government of India 2004, webmaster@incredibleindia.org

” ECO TOURISM “

Eco tourism means responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving the well being of local people.

The Ecotourism Society of India is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development in tourism and to develop responsible practices in and among the tourism fraternity. It works towards continuous identification of new ecotourism destinations, strengthening ecotourism and making India a preferred ecotourism destination. Its objectives are : –

•Make strategy for ensuring long-term (perpetual) sustenance of the environment. Work with empowered bodies to establish carrying capacity and sustainable tourism practices which include conservation of nature and wildlife, and allow ENS local communities to benefit from tourism. To balance tourists and visitors’ numbers and ensure good tourism practices that would allow nature to re-generate itself. To work with government bodies to develop policies and code of conduct for promotion of sustainable tourism, and help implement the same. To work towards certification of tourism service providers. To act as watchdog for excessive consumption of natural resources and any negative impact in the tourism sector. To support research in tourism environment related areas.

•Work with service providers to enhance quality of their product and eco-friendly services. Encourage use of appropriate local practices, materials, art, craft, architecture, food. Encourage minimal conspicuous consumption and prevent excessive consumption of energy. Encourage energy saving practices, water harvesting, use of solar and other natural energy sources. Encourage good waste management practices especially non-biodegradable materials. Encourage low pollution-generating practices to minimize carbon footprint. Organise training and other activities to create awareness on ecotourism, sustainable and responsible tourism. To collaborate with like-minded bodies and implement ecotourism objectives all over the world.