New Delhi: Great interiors and top of the line facilities, well maintained bathrooms and smoke detectors. This is a description of a space being readied for visiting tourists at next year's Commonwealth Games. But this isn't a hotelm it's the home of a resident of Delhi.
Delhiites and those living in the National Capital Region can now rent out rooms in their house to tourists during the Games. This is part of the Bed and Breakfast Scheme launched by the Tourism Ministry.
“India has a rich heritage and is known for treating guests as God. Atithi Devo Bhava is our slogan. This will cater to the budget tourist who'll get to see Indian culture & in addition they can save on pockets also,” says Additional Secretary, Ministry Of Tourism, Kothari.
Locals interested in signing up for the scheme and opening their homes to international tourists can enroll by paying a registration fees that ranges between 3000 & 5000 rupees. The scheme hits two birds with one stone. Not only does it help the government to meet the room shortage in Delhi, it's also helps residents earn an extra buck.
“We'll not have to pay any luxury tax, exemption from water & electricity, can use on domestic rates & not on commercial rates,” says a resident.
Homeowners will also have to provide their tenant tourist with Breakfast every day.
The Tourism Department has now been advertising & promoting the Bed & breakfast scheme to a great extent. Of the 3000 rooms it aims to achieve by 2010, around 1000 have already registered for the games.
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