New Delhi: Responding to the shocking news of the rape of a UK Journalist at a guest house in Udaipur, Rajasthan, the tourism industry wasted no time in condemning the dastardly act.

Registering his protest, Mr. Vijay Thakur, the President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, appealed to the government to hand out the strict possible punishment to the perpetrators of the ghastly crime. “These black sheep are not only bringing a bad reputation to the country but also adversely affecting the growth of inbound tourism. Such ugly incidents would not only affect tourism as a whole but also consequently eat into the job opportunities which the industry generates”, reiterated Vijay Thakur.

On behalf of the tourism industry, the IATO president, Mr. Thakur urged the government to introduce Tourist Police at all tourist centres and also convey to the UK Government its deepest regret with an assurance that such incidents would not be allowed to be repeated.

Mr. Thakur also expressed deep concern over security issue for tourists, warning any damage to India’s image would directly affect tourist numbers, which India can ill afford to lose.