The Government of India Ministry of Tourism has set out updated actions to tackle fraudulent practices affecting hotel services and other tourism suppliers.
The clarification comes amid reported complaints of misleading packages, overcharging and exploitation in travel and hospitality services.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve tourist protection and online booking transparency for travellers visiting India.
Complaints and regulatory response in tourism services
The ministry noted that it receives numerous grievances relating to deficiencies in service, including hotel overcharges and misleading offers. These complaints come through its public grievance portal and direct submissions, prompting follow-ups with service providers and relevant local authorities.
Where exploitation appears to be substantiated, officials may refer cases to state or union territory regulators responsible for licensing and compliance. Complainants are also encouraged to seek redress through consumer courts where applicable.
The ministry’s statement, delivered in a parliamentary session by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, emphasised that approvals for travel industry stakeholders — including hotels, motels and convention centres — are voluntary.
Registered providers can have their accreditation withdrawn or re-evaluated in serious cases.
Digital verification and safety frameworks
Under the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI+), tourism-related businesses undergo a multi-layered digital verification process that aims to strengthen sector integrity.
This includes mandatory verification of legal identity using PAN details, authenticated mobile and email contacts, optional national identity checks and, where appropriate, verification of food licence compliance.
These measures are intended to improve trust in hotel and tourism service listings.
The ministry also reaffirmed ongoing engagement with state authorities on tourism safety and security, noting that several regions have deployed dedicated tourist police units to enhance on-ground protection for visitors.
Implications for hotels and online bookings
For the global hotel sector, these steps signal increased scrutiny on service transparency and information accuracy for travellers booking stays in India.
Hotels and online booking platforms may face greater expectations around clear pricing, truthful package descriptions and compliance with local registration requirements.
International and domestic operators could see implications for reputation risk management, particularly where third-party aggregators are involved.
Industry watchers have pointed to past instances of online hotel fraud in India, where tourists were misled by fake listings and lost money on non-existent reservations, underlining the practical need for regulatory attention.
The ministry’s measures do not impose mandatory approval for all service providers, but the strengthened verification process and focus on complaint resolution form part of a wider drive to improve service standards and protect travellers in a rapidly digitalising sector.
