JK Govt, OYO Group launch rural home stay project ‘Crown of Incredible India’
Jammu/IBNS: Jammu & Kashmir Government and travel tech platform OYO Group Thursday launched rural homestay project "Crown of Incredible India" in a special event presided by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan.
The Lt Governor announced Rs 50,000 special financial assistance to youth willing to establish a home stay unit.
J&K has emerged as a leader in the tourism sector over the last two and a half years, he said
With a market giant like OYO coming onboard, we are making in-roads to encourage micro-entrepreneurs in the villages and revitalizing local art and crafts and redevelopment of rural areas, he added.
Undoubtedly, nature has blessed J&K with great scenic beauty, and rural homestays will offer a piece of eternal culture, cuisine, traditions, and warm & friendly hospitality to the domestic and International travelers, the Lt Governor said.
This new initiative is meant to empower local communities, youth and women to fulfil the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
“Through vocal for local products, individuals and enterprises will help in poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
"The venture will help in building a tourist infrastructure of world standards in rural J&K. By December this year, around 200 home stays will be available on OYO platform," Sinha said.
Better road connectivity, water and electricity supply, mobile and internet connectivity are being ensured in the villages included under the Tourist Village Network, he added.
“We are making efforts in a systematic manner to connect the youth and self-help groups on a large scale in the tourist village network and give them an opportunity to be a part of the transformation of rural J&K,” said the Lt Governor.
The UT Government under Mission Youth will support 500 youth for establishing home stay, he added.
The new initiative will also promote sustainable and eco-tourism, rural products and creating employment opportunities in rural areas, he further added.
OYO Hotels has tied up with 20 homestays in Pahalgam and 10 homestays are present on their platform as on date.
The project also aims to improve tourism in underpenetrated areas in Udhampur, Doda, Pahalgam and Kokernag, it was informed.
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