World tourism body condemns India’s ‘attitude to rape’
The World Travel and Tourism Council has weighed into India’s rape debate.
In a blunt report to the new Indian central government, WTTC’s India Initiative (WTCII) said repeated cases of rape and assaults against foreign tourists "has received adverse media coverage worldwide and cumulatively tarnishes the image of India, especially tourism".
WTTC India Initiative said the number of rapes of women is "raising serious concerns amidst consumers from our prime source markets". An "attitudinal shift" was required, it said.
WTTCII revealed it has traced eight cases of assault on women foreign tourists between February 2013 and March 2014.
Further, a total of 24,923 cases of rape and 45,351 cases of assault on women were reported in India by national crime authorities in 2012.
The world was horrified last week when it was revealed that two low-caste Indian girls had been raped, and their bodies hung by their scarves from a mango tree, in a village about 200 miles from Delhi.
Dipak Deva, chairman, WTTCII, said: "What is needed is a clear, focused plan to get the basics right and a sustained effort in delivering the Incredible India promises to both the domestic and international tourist."
The India Initiative has presented its report to India’s new Minister of Tourism, Shripad Naik.
Ian Jarrett
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