Tourists complain about over-charging by hawkers

AURANGABAD: Home to world famous heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora, Aurangabad attracts hundreds of foreign visitors every day. However, these tourists have expressed concerns over harassment in the form of overcharging by illegal hawkers and photographers, bringing in a bad name to the popular tourist destination.
Jaswant Singh, president of the Aurangabad Tourism Promoters Guild, said: "Aurangabad is a world famous heritage site approved by UNESCO.Ajanta and Ellora caves are 'must visit' places in Maharashtra. But harassment illegal hawkers and photographers is affecting the tourism industry."
Singh added, "Though the tourists appreciate the heritage sites they take home an ugly image of an unsecured environment. It is high time that the government addresses these issues."
Annasaheb Shinde, Auranagbad regional officer, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, "The world famous sites in the city has seen boom year after year. Hence, it is necessary to preserve the the reputation of the city by addressing issues like harassment by touts."
He added, "There have been a number of complaints of cheating of foreign tourists. The MTDC had conducted a workshop for hawkers, guides and autorickshaw drivers. They were apprised of the Shop Act and were also warned of legal action, if they were found to be flouting the norms. It is the responsibility of the Shop Act authorities to streamline the situation and create conducive atmosphere at the heritage sites. In rural areas, the tehsildar is the law enforcing authority."
Sandeep Gaikwad, a guide at a tourist location, said: "Handicraft items are a major attraction among foreign tourists, but this usually becomes a tool of harassment and cheating."
Tourists from Sydney, Irene Payne and her daughter Alexandra, who were on a two-day visit to the heritage sites in Aurangabad, expressed unhappiness over being fleeced and overcharged by hawkers.
Payne said, "We were impressed by the handicraft items but we were unable to purchase them since the hawkers were trying to fleece us. The authorities should implement a proper system and discipline at the heritage sites so that tourists can enjoy site-seeing peacefully."
Her daughter Alexandra said, "I have been to Agra and Delhi, but I find the Ellora caves the most inspiring.
Considering the rich history of the monuments, the government here should make efforts to market the city in international tourism."