Gandhinagar, 20 November 2014

Tourism Minister of Gujarat, Saurabh Patel today announced a scheme for Homestay which would be effective in all areas across the state.

Under the Homestay scheme, the standards of services offered to tourists will be divided in two classes – Gold and Silver.

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited(TCGL) will decide and grant particular category after scrutiny of properties and residents applying to offer Homestay facility.

Residents registered under Homestay facility will continue to pay electricity bill, municipal tax, property tax and water tax at regular domestic rates.

Homestay properties will not need to pay luxury tax and value added tax.

Homestay provider will be permitted to offer maximum 6 rooms under this scheme.

TCGL will provide short-term training and offer help for marketing. Those who want to register for this scheme will need to get police clearance.

Saurabh Patel said that Home Stay scheme will provide more options of stay to tourists.

He said, the scheme will offer opportunity to stay with local families, to have experience of Indian culture and traditions, to enjoy feast of Gujarati/Indian cuisine.