M/o Tourisms Info/Helpline gaining popularity among Tourists 17911 calls received on it since its launch last month The Tourist Info/Helpline- Toll Free Number 1800111363 or a short code 1363 of the Ministry of Tourism is gaining popularity among Tourists and it has received a total of 17911 calls as on 20th March, 2016 since its launch on 8th February, 2016. The focus of the Tourist Infoline is on IEC i.e. Information, Education and Communication for the Tourists followed by a Helpdesk. This service primarily serves those who know very little about India or about travel within India, and those who do not understand Indian systems and often not even English. This Infoline service provides information relating to Travel & Tourism in India to the domestic and International tourists/visitors and to assist the callers with advice on action to be taken during times of distress while travelling in India and if need be alert the concerned authorities. Tourists travelling in or planning to travel to India can seek help and information for a hassle free experience. The calls made by tourists (both international and domestic) while in India will be free of charge. The international tourists in India and also international callers who speak the aforesaid languages will be directed to the call agents proficient in the respective language. Due to reports regarding incidents involving crime against tourists especially the women tourists, there had been a concern expressed by the foreign tour operators and prospective visitors to India regarding the safety and security of tourists. There was also a serious concern about the tout menace and cheating of tourists. Therefore, on the occasion of Good Governance Day on 26th December,2014, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture and Minister of State for Civil Aviation had launched a Incredible India Help Line on a pilot basis and to be operated in house to address and guide the tourists during any emergencies which may include medical, crime natural calamities or on being stranded. This service was available as toll free on telephone 1800111363 or on a short code 1363. The Minister of Tourism further promised that this 24X7 Helpline would soon be available in 10 International languages. Keeping his promise, Dr. Mahesh Sharma on 08th February, 2016 had launched the 24x7 Toll Free Tourist Infoline in 12 International Languages including Hindi and English" available on the existing Toll Free Number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 at a function here today. This project is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India through M/s. TATA BSS who have been associated with the work after open bidding process. The languages handled by the contact centers include ten International languages besides English and Hindi, namely, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
