Registration mandatory for Delhi travel and tour agents

With barely eight months left for the Commonwealth Games, Delhi government has made registration mandatory for travel and tour agents in the city to ensure safety of tourists.

"Lakhs of foreign travellers are expected to visit the capital during the mega event, and registration will streamline the travel operators," a senior Delhi government official said.

With the extravaganza drawing near, several agents have launched new deals to attract domestic and foreign travellers for sightseeing tours in Delhi and nearby states.

The government's move is aimed at cracking down on fly-by-night operators who bring a bad name to the tourism industry by cheating travellers and tourists.

"We want to encourage serious players as well as instill confidence among tourists. Hence, we will allow only license holders to carry out their business. Non-license holders will be strictly dealt with," he said.

This will also help the government access a vast database, creating an avenue for revenue and curbing malpractices.

According to the recent studies and surveys by business chamber, ASSOCHAM, around 10 million international tourists are planning to visit India during theCommonwealth Games.