Tourists, 2010 commonwealth games to feel homely

Bed and Breakfast scheme to overcome problem of shortage of room

New Delhi: Bed and breakfast scheme- a policy started by ministry of tourism will make tourists during the Commonwealth Games feel homely. Under the scheme visitors can avail Indian or continental breakfast along with lodging and other residing facility.


Nearly 1400 rooms have been registered for bed and breakfast scheme so far in Delhi and NCR, since its launch by the Tourism Ministry a year ago. While the city is still unprepared for hosting the Games, government is gearing up to attract more families to overcome shortage of rooms.

With well built interiors, ample of facilities, well maintained bathrooms, smoke detectors and modernized kitchen. Many homes in Delhi are preparing for visiting tourists at next year's Commonwealth Games.

“This scheme will cater to the budget of tourists who will get to glimpse Indian traditions and in addition they can save few bucks also," explains Deputy Director General, Hotels and Restaurants, Ministry of Tourism, Vikas Rastogi.

The Bed & Breakfast facilities are categorized into Silver and Gold .Those interested for the scheme and opening their homes to international tourists can enroll by paying a registration fee of Rs 3,000 or Rs, 5000, depending on the type and infrastructure of rooms made available.

The scheme not only solves the purpose to meet the room shortage in Delhi for commonwealth games, it also helps residents earn an extra buck, especially for housewives.

Also house owners will not have to pay any luxury tax,and also they can use electricity and water on domestic rates and not on commercial rates.

The scheme was launched to provide a clean and affordable place for foreigners and domestic tourists, including an opportunity for foreign tourists to stay with an Indian family and to experience Indian customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian cuisine. Homeowners will also have to provide their tenant tourist breakfast every day which will give tourists a homemade taste of India.

"Our aim behind registering our house was upcoming commonwealth games. Tourists who visit India don’t know Indian culture and cuisines. This will provide an opportunity for foreigners to learn and relish Indian traditions.” said Veena Kumar, who runs, Blossoms-Bread and Breakfast scheme in her house.


The Tourism Department has now been advertising and promoting the Bed and Breakfast Scheme to a great extent. Government is especially using Internet as a medium to cater foreign tourists.