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Paying guest concept in AP tourism

Our Bureau

HYDERABAD, Jan. 4

THE State Department of Tourism has introduced the concept of paying guest accommodation for the benefit of tourists visiting the twin cities.

The department is seeking the cooperation of people with varied socio-linguistic background and having the necessary infrastructure to make the concept a success. According to Ms. Chandana Khan, Secretary of AP Tourism, the tariff for the paying guest ac commodation including food would be decided by the department and the host.

"The concept provides us an opportunity to showcase to the international community the warmth that is there with Indians in general and the Andhras in particular that in turn helps promoting AP as the most sought after and a warm tourist destination in t he South", she said.

The department has specified a number of factors for the success of the concept. They are : the premises must be in a good locality, the owner must stay within the premises, shopping will be on non-commission basis if the guest wants the host to accompan y him/her to the market, accommodation must not be more than five rooms with 10 beds, and the host will have to maintain a register of arrival and departure of guests.

A committee will inspect the accommodation before it is registered under the scheme. Payment for accommodation, breakfast and use of other facilities will be according to the rates approved by the Director, Department of Tourism. If a foreign guest stays , the host has to fill in form `C' and submit the same to the nearest police station.

The owners have to send monthly reports on guests to the Director of Tourism, Hyderabad. They are also encouraged to attract guests to their houses. A copy of the application can be had from the Secretary (Tourism), YAT&C Department, 3rd Floor, A-Block, Secretariat, Hyderabad or from the Director, Department of Tourism, Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad.