Gang rape hits India image, 25% fall in foreign tourists

spa treatments and gourmet meals ? i know many women who have travelled to india and most of them did not go for spa treatments and gourmet meals . they went to experience the culture . most of them said india was one of the few "non first world" places where they felt safe and could go anywhere and many went alone also. it was one of the reasons they had so many female tourists. but with the recent news of the rapes this has put off many women from going there.


<The image of ‘Incredible India’ has taken a massive beating in the past three months since the Delhi gang rape, resulting in foreign tourist arrivals falling 25% and an even bigger drop, 35%, in women tourists.

A study by industry body Assocham says 72% of tour operators in India reported a significant increase in cancellations, especially by women travellers, in these three months.

Several countries have issued advisories to their citizens to avoid India in the wake of the brutal December 16 gang rape, which was followed by a seemingly endless series of sexual assaults on women reported from across the country.

“The safety of women guests is our top priority and it is our constant endeavour to improvise the best hospitality practices and luxury for them,” said a spokesperson for the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

It's not just security features, hotel chains including the ITC Group, Taj Group, Hilton Hotels and Lemon Tree Hotels are throwing in complimentary spa treatments and gourmet meals to pamper their female guests.>

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Gang-rape-hits-India-image-25-fall-in-foreign-tourists/Article1-1034968.aspx