The decision of a few temple managements in Goa about banning the scantily-clad tourists from entering in the premises, has to be welcomed as tourists should respect local culture, ITB Berlin representative said.

Rika Jean-Francois, Commissioner for Corporate Social Responsibility of ITB Berlin, said that the tourists visiting
the countries should be aware about the culture and respect them.

 

She said that the decision of temples banning entry of scantily-clad foreigners are justified.

 

"I can understand, foreign tourists need to respect the local culture," Francois said during the Goa International
Travel Mart (GITM) that began here in Panaji.

 

The temple authorities in the town of Ponda have displayed boards prominently disallowing indecently-clothed
visitors from entering the premises of the temples.

 

Francois was participating in the knowledge session on `responsible tourism' for the event that has participants from 28 countries in it.

 

She said that eco-friendly and responsible tourists were growing across the world and such a trend is good for the governments and corporates.

 

"Instead of rooting for mass tourism, the efforts should be to boost such travelers," the expert said.