Tourist verification simplified for Commonwealth

New Delhi, Jan 21: The Government has simplified verification procedure for ensuring adequate accommodation for tourists during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

House owners planning to be part of the 'Bed and Breakfast Plan- Delhi' will be saved from the grueling procedure of obtaining police verification of tourists staying in the houses.

The Union Culture and Tourism Ministry, which has launched the Plan under the Incredible India campaign, will obtain the verification certificate for the house owners.

''As an attempt to simplify the procedure and encourage more and more people to join the plan, the Culture and Tourism Ministry will obtain the police verification of tourists,'' Union Culture and Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said.

Ms Soni said she had taken up the issue with the police department as well as Delhi Chief Minister and Delhi Tourism Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely.

''They have assured me of full cooperation in making campaign a success,'' she added.

The Union Minister said shortage of accommodation for tourists during Games will be solved to a large extent under the 'Bed and Breakfast plan.

''The plan will also help house owners to earn some money besides ensuring more accommodation,'' she added.

Asserting that house owners registered under the plan will not be taxed on commercial rates for water and electricity, she said the issue had been discussed with authorities concerned.

UNI