By Our Reporter
Shillong: The ‘Bed and Breakfast’ scheme envisaged to promote tourism in Sohra encountered a dismal response from applicants for this scheme from Sohra besides other parts of the state.
The scheme which was started afresh at Sohra last spring after its failure to attract tourists in its maiden attempt, encountered very less response from the residents of Sohra.
Launched with much fanfare by the State government four years ago, the Bed and Breakfast scheme has failed to take off. It was however, started afresh last spring at Sohra by involving local residents.
“Till date, the response is dismal and the number of takers are very less even after combining takers from Sohra and Shillong”, Parliamentary Secretary In charge of Tourism Dr PW Khongjee told reporters here recently.
According to this scheme, 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.
While stating that this initiative would prove beneficial in promoting tourism potentials of the State, Khongjee said under the new scheme home-like, clean and affordable accommodation facilities would be provided to tourists.
The parliamentary secretary has also stressed on the need to spread more awareness to the local people while expressing fear over the possibilities that the scheme might again fail to take off due to lack of response and awareness.
