By Our Reporter
Shillong: Despite its failure to attract tourists in the maiden attempt, the state government is all geared up to start ‘Bed and Breakfast’ scheme afresh at Sohra by involving local residents.
Launched with much fanfare by the State government four years ago, the Bed and Breakfast scheme has failed to take off.
“The government has earmarked Rs 16 lakh for each willing household at Sohra with 30 per cent subsidy wherein they have to deposit about 10 per cent of the total cost,” Parliamentary Secretary In charge of Tourism Dr PW Khongjee said here on Tuesday.
This initiative would prove beneficial in promoting tourism potentials of the State, he said adding under the new scheme home-like, clean and affordable accommodation facilities would be provided to tourists.
When asked about the initial response from local residents, Dr Khongjee said there was a mixed response from the public as “some of them welcome the scheme while the others are against this initiative.”
“The people should be aware of the advantages of such schemes. Personally I think this scheme is very important for promoting tourism in this area”, the Parliamentary secretary stated.
Dr Khongjee stressed on the need to create widespread awareness about this scheme among the people so that they can have a clearer picture of the whole idea and go along with it.
He informed that like last year, the Tourism department would organize the Cherrapunjee Festival in March next year.
“I think involvement of the public will further go in making this festival a grand one”, he observed.