KOCHI: With exploitation and pick-pocketing of tourists increasing, resulting in a blot on the tourism map of Kochi, Police on Wednesday said it would launch immediate awareness campaign and law breakers would be severely dealt with. “This (exploitation of tourists) cannot be further allowed and require immediate action and awareness campaign will be launched soon,” said Manoj Kumar, Inspector of Police, Fort Kochi.
He was speaking at a one-day tourism awareness class organized for owners and managers of different home stays, hotels, lodges and heritage homes in Fort Kochi. The session was organized by the Fort Kochi Police in association with Kochi Municipal Corporation and Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Kochi.
The initiative from the police department came in the wake of increasing atrocities against tourists in the city.
The session was inaugurated by K J Maxi, MLA Kochi. The inaugural session was presided over by M P Dinesh, Commissioner of Police, Kochi. Shiny Mathew, chairperson, Standing Committee for Town Planning, Kochi Corporation, K N Anurudhan, Asst Commissioner of Police, Mattanchery, were present among others.
Maxi during his inaugural address emphasized the importance of tourism for Kochi and especially Fort Kochi. “ Tourism is the backbone for sustainability of Fort Kochi and there are lot of people depending on this sector. So, building a good name and image for Kochi among tourists is very important,” the MLA said.
The inaugural session was followed by classes from experts. They discussed in deep about the different aspects and concerns pertaining to the sector.
They also emphasized on the rules and regulations that has to be strictly followed by the stake holders. The classes were lead by K.G Vinod Kumar, Asst. Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (AFFRO), Adv. Mini V K, Shine K. S, District Tourism Information Officer and S. Dwijesh, Station House Officer. “ Following the rules are really important for the security of the tourists and the nation.” said Vinod Kumar, AFFRO.
The classes were attended by more than 100 people “ We expect more of such classes and sessions in the future as we are also sometimes confused about the rules and regulation.” said one of the stakeholders.