Dhumal launches Home Stay Scheme

Manali, Aug 26 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar today launched the Home Stay Scheme by handing over the first registration certificate under the scheme.

Mr Dhumal handed over the first registration certificate to Shri Swaroop Upadhyay, a resident of Katrain village in the valley during the inaugural ceremony of the three-day State-level Apple Festival at tourist resort here.

He said that the Home Stay scheme has been started to promote rural tourism in the state and the scheme is poised to take entire state under its fold by involving the rural house owners. Under the scheme the visitors would be acquainted with the lifestyle of the people and offered local cuisines during the stay.

"There is a need for local people to come forward and support the efforts of the State Government in making tourism a household activity," he said and added that the state government had already started registration of Home Stay units in villages under which number of incentives would be given to them.

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