74 establishments approved under Bed and Breakfast Scheme

The innovative scheme, launched in 2007, was initiated to give foreign tourists an opportunity to experience the customs and traditions of the country and enjoy Indian food during their stay with an Indian family.

It requires any owner or resident of premises with spare bed rooms to apply for approval under IBBS. And as of March this year, the government has received 109 such applications, of which 74 have been approved, Minister of Tourism Subodh Kant Sahai said in a written reply to the Lower House.

Explaining some of the salient features of the scheme, the Minister said, "The Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Facilities are categorised as Silver and Gold. The application fee for classification under these categories is Rs 3000 and Rs 5000 respectively.

"The classification is given only to those establishments where the owner/promoter is physically residing in the same facility and lets out minimum one room and maximum six rooms."

Replying to another query, Sahai said that "to strengthen the critical pillar of safety for the tourists", the Ministry and various stakeholders in the tourism industry have adopted a "Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism" since July 1, 2010.