India dismisses female tourist safety fears
Indian officials are dismissing concerns of an impact on the country’s tourism sector following several incidents of attacks on women.
The fatal gang rape of an Indian student in December and a series of subsequent attacks on foreigners have heightened fears that India is not a safe destination, particularly for women.
A British holidaymaker in the northern city of Agra suffered a leg injury when she jumped out of a hotel window before dawn on Tuesday. Police said she feared a sex attack after two men tried to enter her room.
The men, including the hotel manager, have denied the allegations during a court appearance.
Last Friday a Swiss woman was gang-raped while on a cycling holiday with her husband in central India.
At the Delhi office of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, executive director Gour Kanjilal said it was unfair to portray India as dangerous.
“Our industry is the first casualty when crime against foreigners is reported in India, but the reporting does not always reflect the truth,” he told AFP.
However, travel advice from a host of countries stresses the need for visitors to take care.
The US State Department’s website advises female travellers to “observe stringent security precautions” and “avoid travelling alone in hired taxis, especially at night”.
Britain’s foreign office updated its advisory for India this week, warning female tourists to “exercise caution when travelling in India even if they are travelling in a group”.
Ian Jarrett
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