The Union Tourism and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja has urged seven western Indian States and Union Territories to take all necessary steps for protection of tourists against crime and provide them aid in distress.<br/><br/>Inaugurating the Inter State Regional Conference of Tourism Ministers of Western States and Union Territories in Goa today she said, the inflow of domestic and foreign tourists could be ensured only when we are able to provide them a safe and secured environment. She said, sustaining the reputation of these destinations would depend on constant development and up-gradation of the tourism infrastructure.<br/><br/>Further, the safety and security of tourists coupled with the quality of hospitality and services offered plays a major role in attracting tourists. Tourism ministers from GOA, Chhattisgarh ,Gujarat , Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and representatives of Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu attended the conference.<br/><br/>Kumari Selja also laid the foundation stone for Tourist Information Plaza at Panaji in Goa. Centre has sanctioned an amount of over 43.09 crore rupees for Integrated the Development of Infrastructure for Heritage and Hinterland Tourism in Goa, as a Mega Project.<br/>