Bengal govt working on policy on homestay: state Tourism Min

As part of its effort to ensure significant increase in the number of inbound tourists, the West Bengal government is working on a policy on homestay at prominent tourist destinations, state tourism minister Bratya Basu today said.
"The most interesting feature of the forthcoming policy is that the luxury tax will be waived," Basu said during the inauguration of the 5th Destination East, a joint initiative by the CII and the state government here.
He said tourism is a sector which could not only drive the GDP growth but would also create numerous new jobs.
Basu also urged the overseas delegates to promote the state and its unexplored areas to the world community and assured that the government would do everything to make the visitors feel special.

A R Bardhan, Principal Secretary, state tourism department said "to promote homestays for visitors, specially those from abroad, the tourism department is considering offering financial assistance to the owners of home stays, helping them to beautify their dwellings, spruce up toilets and do other value additions."
Bardhan also announced the state government's plans to build an entertainment hub at Park Street and a 'Food Street' in the city's China Town area and said many such things are in the pipeline.