NEW DELHI: The government is looking at roping in private players for the upkeep of tourist destinations and monuments under public-private partnership.
The move will help not the government save money, but also lead to better management of public facilities. Tourism minister Mahesh Sharma said, "We have received suggestions on maintenance of tourist places with the help of private players...We may engage reputed private houses for services like cleaning, restaurant and book shop management."
Sources said government was also working on a proposal where private players be involved in maintenance of ticketed monuments also. Currently there are over 100 ticketed monuments in the country under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India. The government is aiming to make entry tickets to these monuments to be available online.
The minister also launched also a round-the-clock tourist helpline in 12 languages - Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, English and Hindi.
The infoline has been started particularly for the international tourists so that they can seek help when they want to know anything will about a place or have a complaint to register.
Sharma said,"They will have access to information in their own language and help in case of distress."
The toll free tourist Infoline will be available on the 1800111363 or on a short code 1363.
This project is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India through TATA BSS who have been associated with the work after open bidding process.
The Minister also announced that very soon his Ministry will launch an “Incredible India Mobile App.” to facilitate tourists in a better way.
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