The tourism ministry has come out with an ambitious plan to provide tent accommodation to visitors during the Commonwealth Games.
According to the plan, sport lovers can watch games throughout the day in Delhi and stay in tents next to the Games village at night.
The strategy has been devised in consultation with the Delhi government to overcome the hotel room shortage, projected at 30,000, when Delhi welcomes visitors to the mega event. ?The ministry has charted a long-term strategy for tourism promotion. According to the plan, tourists will be provided tented accommodation near pilgrimage sites, wildlife reserves and fairs not only during the games but after the event also,? a senior ministry official told FE.
Setting up camps and tents would enhance the availability of rooms for tourists, estimated at 40,000. Moreover, it will help promote adventure, pilgrimage and eco-tourisms later on. The ministry has asked UP, Haryana and Rajasthan governments to identify lands for camp sites and provide water and electricity, as well as subsidy to those buying alternative energy devices such as solar and wind-based equipment. Similarly, they have been asked to create single windows for approvals and facilitate lease of land at concessional rates to entrepreneurs.
For tour operators and camp organisers, guidelines have been issued on quality assurance. Tents and camps should have eco-friendly toilets, and kitchens. Preference will be given for promotion of folk dances, music, arts and handicrafts. Employment to local youth will be given priority.
The plan has been appreciated by both Delhi chief minister Shiela Dikshit and the tourism industry.
?The move will not only promote adventure and pilgrimage tourism but also provide affordable accommodation to visitors? said Subhash Goyal, president, Indian Association of Tour Operators. He said the plan takes into account the mismatch between demand and supply that is pushing hotel room tariff higher.