Bengal tourism set to form separate policy for Home Stays

Kolkata, Sept 6 (KNN) In a move to boost the tourism sector in West Bengal, which employs thousands of micro and small entrepreneurs (MSEs), the state is planning to formulate separate policy for Home Stays here.

The Bengal Tourism Department is all set to formulate separate policy for Home Stays in the state to ensure proper arrangements for stay, food quality as well as security of the guests.

When the policy is framed, the families which are involved in Home Stays will be brought under Bread & Breakfast Scheme, which will benefit them by having a tie-up with Incredible India. Also, plans are afoot to start community development and organic farming in these places.

Talking to KNN, Prabir Sinha Roy, General Secretary, Travel Agents Association of Bengal, said, “It’s a good project and we all support this. This demand was made from our side.”

He said, “Right now Bengal Tourism sector is improving day by day. There are some problems but overall we are satisfied with the performance of department of tourism in West Bengal. Government does not provide any subsidy to us but yes it has been providing subsidies for opening and investing in Hotel, Motel and Home stays since 10 to 15 years.” 

Home Stays allow travellers to board and lodge with locals and get a first-hand feel of the regional customs and culture. This gives an opportunity to the residents to earn a livelihood as well.

Several Home Stays have come up in the hamlets in north Bengal, particularly in the Dooars region (the floodplains and foothills of the eastern Himalayas in northeast India around Bhutan). Home Stays are a hit with international tourists.