Tharoor Sounds Alarm: Safety, Image Key to Attracting Tourists

Tourism has long been celebrated as one of India’s engines of soft power and economic growth. From the Himalayas to Kerala’s backwaters, from Rajasthan’s forts to Goa’s beaches, India’s diversity makes it a magnet for travellers. Yet, beneath the allure lies a persistent problem: the global perception of India as unsafe for women.

On September 13, 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor publicly sounded the alarm, warning that India’s tourism sector is being held back by its reputation on women’s safety. His remarks were not merely political rhetoric but a stark reminder that perception and policy are intertwined—and that safety is as much an economic issue as it is a social or moral one.

Tharoor’s Warning

Tharoor argued that India’s image abroad is suffering because of repeated headlines and advisories that frame the country as unsafe for women. He stressed that this is not just a women’s rights issue, but a tourism and economic competitiveness issue.

“India seen unsafe for women is a deterrent to visitors. Tourists will choose places where safety is guaranteed, and our competitors understand this very well,” he said.

He urged the government to focus on systemic safety reforms—better lighting, stronger policing, gender-sensitive infrastructure, and inclusivity standards in hospitality. Without these measures, India risks undermining its ambition of becoming a global tourism powerhouse.

The Tourism–Safety Nexus

Tourism thrives on three pillars: attraction, accessibility, and assurance. While India is rich in attractions and increasingly improving accessibility, assurance—especially in terms of safety for women—remains fragile.

Why Safety Matters for Tourism

Travel Advisories: Countries like the US, UK, and Australia regularly issue advisories cautioning female travellers in India. Such warnings influence travel decisions significantly.
Competition: Nations such as Thailand, Singapore, and UAE market themselves aggressively as “safe, family-friendly destinations,” drawing tourists who might otherwise consider India.
Word of Mouth: Incidents shared on social media can quickly go viral, shaping perceptions globally. A single high-profile case of harassment or violence can undo years of promotional campaigns.
Repeat Visits: Tourists who feel unsafe rarely return or recommend the destination to others, limiting India’s ability to build loyal visitor bases.

Global Comparisons

Singapore: Often ranked among the safest cities in the world, its safety record is a major factor in its tourism brand.
Dubai (UAE): Strict law enforcement and clear regulations project an image of safety, which helps attract luxury travellers and families.
Japan: Promotes not just cultural richness but also the reassurance of one of the lowest crime rates globally.

India, despite its cultural depth and affordability, loses competitive ground when safety narratives dominate foreign headlines.

The Economic Stakes

Tourism contributes nearly 7% to India’s GDP and supports millions of jobs in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. Post-pandemic recovery has seen a resurgence in domestic tourism, but international numbers remain lower than projected.

Tharoor argued that unless India tackles the safety perception, it risks:

Lower foreign tourist inflows
Reduced foreign exchange earnings
Missed employment opportunities for women and youth in tourism-dependent regions
Undermined campaigns like Incredible India 2.0 and Dekho Apna Desh

In short, safety is not just about dignity and rights—it is an economic imperative.

Policy Gaps and Needed Reforms

Experts point to multiple systemic gaps that require attention:

Lighting and Urban Design: Poorly lit streets and isolated areas around monuments, stations, and bus stands increase vulnerability.
Tourist Policing: Dedicated tourist police units are underfunded or understaffed in many states.
Gender-Sensitive Hospitality: Hotels and guesthouses often lack women-friendly facilities, security checks, or trained staff.
Transport Safety: Reports of harassment in taxis and public transport erode confidence.
Digital Safeguards: Apps for tourist safety exist, but awareness and real-time response are weak.

Tharoor emphasised that piecemeal reforms are not enough; what’s needed is a holistic, nationwide safety framework integrated into tourism policy.

Tourism as Nation Branding

The issue goes beyond economics. Tourism is also about nation branding—how India is perceived abroad. A safe environment for women is symbolic of a modern, progressive, and responsible society.

Countries invest heavily in projecting themselves as safe, because tourism reputation influences investment reputation. A country perceived as unsafe for visitors often also struggles to attract investors, students, and global talent.

For India, aiming to position itself as a global hub for education, technology, and business, the tourism-safety linkage becomes even more critical.

Responses from Stakeholders

Industry Leaders: Travel associations have long pushed for stronger safety measures, noting that “no marketing campaign can mask bad headlines.”
Women’s Rights Groups: Advocates stress that reforms should not just be cosmetic for tourists, but must improve safety for all women.
Government Officials: Some state governments have launched “women’s only cabs,” panic button initiatives, and tourist police helplines. However, these remain fragmented efforts.

Broader Context: Gender and Economy

Tharoor’s remarks tap into a broader theme: women’s safety is tied to India’s economic and social progress.

Workforce Participation: Women’s participation in India’s labour force is among the lowest in G20 nations, partly due to safety concerns.
Entrepreneurship in Tourism: Many women in rural areas rely on tourism (handicrafts, homestays, guiding). Unsafe perceptions limit their customer base.
Global Image: As India pitches itself as a rising power, reputational risks can dilute diplomatic and economic gains.

Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor’s intervention is more than a critique—it is a reminder that India’s global ambitions require matching domestic reforms. Tourism can be a pillar of growth and soft power, but only if safety is guaranteed.

The challenge for India is not lack of attractions but lack of assurance. Unless the government takes decisive steps—structural safety measures, gender-sensitive infrastructure, and robust tourist policing—the country risks losing both revenue and reputation.

As Tharoor put it, safety must be seen not just as morality, but as strategy.

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