Gujarat will launch a home stay policy for domestic and international visitors.
The move is targeted towards tourist places in remote areas having few hotel accommodation facilities. The ministry is likely to offer the locals include tax breaks, assistance for equipping the rooms and training to host the visitors to places like Mandvi beach, Dhordo desert in Kutch and Dwarka.
A special committee comprising government officials, tourism experts and local authorities will be formed to identify and upgrade locals to provide hospitality to the visitors. The committee will have an official from Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), District Development Officer (DDO), members of travel agents association and a member of association of hoteliers.
“Home stays will also be made a part of tourism and travel packages offered by operators. It will also be featured in exhibitions to be conducted in other states. Professionals will train locals to provide complete hospitality to the visitors, who will also get a better feel of local culture,” said Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director of Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) was quoted by the Economic Times. The home stay facility will also be extended to Ambaji, Gir, Somnath and Porbandar in the second phase.
Currently, the home stay scheme is popular in Kerala and Delhi.
