Ahead of the New Year festivities, the Kodagu district administration has rolled out a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure a safe and incident-free peak tourist season in the scenic hill station of Madikeri. The directives, aimed at resorts and homestay operators, focus on enhanced safety protocols and better tourist management.
Key Directives for Tourism Stakeholders
Nitin Chakki, the Madikeri Sub-Divisional Assistant Commissioner who also serves as the Deputy Director of Tourism, has issued clear instructions to all hospitality providers. A central requirement is the mandatory collection of detailed visitor information. This includes the Aadhaar number, mobile number, and vehicle registration details of all guests, whether domestic or international.
Furthermore, stakeholders have been directed to clearly inform tourists about the operational timings of local attractions to help them plan their visits effectively and avoid any inconvenience.
Enhanced Safety and Host Responsibilities
The guidelines place significant emphasis on the role of homestay owners. It is compulsory for owners to reside on the premises during the tourist stay. They are required to engage with their guests, discuss their travel itineraries, and provide proper guidance about local customs, laws, and safe practices. This proactive interaction is designed to prevent tourists from venturing into remote or potentially hazardous areas.
On the infrastructure front, the administration has mandated the compulsory installation of first aid kits and fire extinguishers at all properties. In a move to bolster security, all hospitality units must preserve their CCTV camera footage for a minimum period of 45 days.
Strict Rules for Tourists and Emergency Contacts
Tourists have also been advised to adhere to certain rules for their own safety and the comfort of others. The administration has explicitly prohibited the consumption of drugs and alcohol within the premises of resorts and homestays.
For any emergencies, a 24x7 helpline system has been activated. Both tourists and property owners can reach out for assistance at any time using the following contact numbers: 08272-221077, 08272-221099, 94808 04900, and 08272-228330.
These pre-emptive measures by the Kodagu district administration reflect a concerted effort to manage the high tourist influx during the New Year period systematically. By enforcing strict registration, safety equipment norms, and clear communication channels, the authorities aim to safeguard both visitors and the local tourism ecosystem, ensuring that Madikeri's reputation as a premier destination remains untarnished.
