Mulled more than four years ago to save the tourists’ neck from high room tariff, Punjab Government has finally woken up from deep slumber to launch its ambitious bed and breakfast (B&B) scheme. To begin with, the scheme would be launched in three urban districts — Amritsar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali).
Blame it on the strict guidelines by Punjab Tourism and Heritage Development Board (PTHDB) or the failure of scheme in State’s capital city — Chandigarh, that even after four years of decision to roll out the scheme, not even a single house was empanelled under it. After missing several deadlines, and failing to get the suitable accommodations to be empanelled under the scheme, the scheme will now finally see the light of the day.
Again starting from the scratch, the State Government is set to promote high-end ‘Bed and Breakfast’ (B&B) scheme to give a much-needed boost to the state tourism sector and to provide a home-like affordable accommodation to the visitors.
The scheme will be managed by Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board. The guidelines for the launch of the scheme have been formed, an official spokesman said.The initiative is to provide a clean and comfortable place for overseas and domestic tourists, along with an opportunity for them to stay with an Indian, particularly a Punjabi family and experience the traditions, culture and cuisine of the state, he said.
After launching the scheme in the urban areas in its first phase, it would be expanded to other towns of the state in due course, the spokesman said.It would be useful source of additional income for those who have necessary aptitude and adequate living area as per the requisite standards, he said.The scheme would be applicable only for the owners’ who were staying themselves within the same premises.
The Board, laying down the detailed guidelines, has made it clear that houses or bungalows under consideration should be located in an accessible area with adequate parking space, maximum six good size bedrooms with attached washrooms and spacious living room.Every home must be furnished as per the international specifications. The tariff charged under the scheme is at the discretion of the home.
The Board would register homes after inspection and interview, monitor quality standards through independent inspection, and train home owners. Four parties would be involved in the selection procedure — the applicant, an independent inspection team, training providers and representatives of the Board.
The government has also recommended that the house owners should be fluent in English and Hindi, and the quality of the property should be high in terms of comfort, facilities and hygiene.