Govt aims to renovate around 32 guest houses across state

Kolkata: State government is taking initiatives to renovate around 32 guest houses across the state owned by the various government departments.

It was learnt that the main purpose of the project is to counter the private lodges in these areas. A notification in this regard has been issued by the state Tourism department.

According to the sources in the Tourism department, various tourist lodges including those in Digha, Mandarmani, Shantiniketan, Bakkhali and Jaldapara among many others will soon be renovated. The department has a target to complete the works within this winter season.

Some of these tourist lodges and guest houses are run by various departments including state Irrigation and Waterways department, Forest, Youth Services and Public Health Engineering department. Sources said that a survey has already been carried out in this regard.

Lodges and guest houses have been divided in various categories on the basis of their demands among

the tourists.

The infrastructure of these guest houses would see a major revamp so that they attract more number of tourists throughout the country.

Those lodges which are on high demand will be renovated

first.

According to a senior official of the state Tourism department, some of Tourism department employees have already been imparted special training by a private firm on how they can extend hospitality to the tourists. Altogether 32 lodges have been selected where renovation works will be

undertaken.

It may be mentioned that the Mamata Banerjee government has given a great boost to the tourism department. 'Homestay Policy' is being prepared to facilitate thousands of middle class families in the tourist spots in West Bengal. The homestay policy could enhance the micro and small entrepreneurs (MSEs) engaging the local work force.

The state government felt introducing a separate policy was necessary as the homestay in the tourist destinations are becoming popular in West Bengal.