Pakistan tourism minister meets Indian counterpart

New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) The recently-introduced "Bed and Breakfast" scheme has come in for commendation from neighbouring Pakistan even as its visiting Tourism Minister Nilofar Bakhtiar announced that she would replicate the scheme in her country.

During her 40-minute-long meeting with her Indian counterpart Ambika Soni, she sought details of the ''Bed and Breakfast'' scheme and said that she would explore the possibilities of launching a similar initiative in her country.

The scheme will not only supplement the room numbers but will also provide experimental tourism to both domestic as well as foreign tourists, Ms Soni told the visiting dignitary, while highlighting the efforts being made to fill the demand-supply gap in hotel accommodation.

Under the scheme, tourists could stay in approved houses which have accommodation facilities as prescribed by the government guidelines. The tariff is fixed by the government depending on the facilities available. However, a family should stay in the same house where tourists are accommodated.

Ms Bakhtiar is here to participate in the South Asian Tourism and Travel Expo (SATTE).

She complimented Ms Soni on the ''Incredible India'' campaign and lauded successful participation of India at recently concluded ITB-Berlin.

Ms Soni welcomed the initiatives of Pakistan in promoting tourism specially steps taken by them to grant visa on arrival to the nationals of 24 countries.

She said the Composite Dialogue between the two countries would go a long way in boosting the ties and people to people contact between India and Pakistan. Both the leaders felt that there is a tremendous tourism potential in both the countries which should be tapped.

UNI