The country is facing an acute shortage of hotel accommodation all over the country. The mismatch in demand & supply is pushing the hotel tariff higher. This has led to our destination out pricing itself in the fiercely competitive International Market. The issue of creating additional and new category accommodation units has been under the consideration of the Ministry of Tourism. It has been the endeavor of the Ministry of Tourism to take all steps to augment the room availability in the country. Setting up of camp sites and tented accommodation would enhance availability of rooms for the tourists. Moreover setting up of Camp Sites can be instrumental in promoting and facilitating Eco, Adventure and Pilgrimage tourism in the country.
Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism has approved two sets of Guidelines for Development of Camp Sites and Guidelines for Approval and Classification of Tented Accommodation. The Guidelines for Development of Camp Sites are advisory in nature and would encourage the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to promote and facilitate the setting up of camp sites. The classification will ensure quality and standards being observed by these establishments.
Categories & Class of Camp Sites: Camp sites can be classified in to the following five categories according to their geographical features- Wildlife, Adventure (Land, Water & Air). Pilgrimage, New Destinations and Destinations Linked to International Events. The camp sites can be further classified under 2 categories according to the facilities available - Deluxe and Standard.
The camp site would have the following specifications:
- Minimum and maximum no. of units will be 6 and 50 respectively depending on the location and type of camps.
- The camps would have semi build structures and rooms, Ecosan toilets, kitchen and storage.
- A Tourist Reception Center (TRC) may be constructed in a manner which blends with nature and surroundings of the location and region. The TRC should have appropriate facilities and infrastructure for the tourists.
Safety, Hygiene, Responsible Standards, Environment Friendly: For camps to be models of eco-excellence, the aspect of hygiene, garbage disposal, responsible use of plastic, promotion of eco friendly stuff, use of alternate energy resources, installation of fire fighting equipments and camp security should be taken care.
Support from the local administration in respect of water supply, electricity and subsidies on buying state of the art alternate energy resources such as solar & wind based equipment could be provided.
Role Of The State Governments:
- To identify land banks for the above mentioned campsites as per the categories proposed.
- To arrange single window clearance for all approvals
- To facilitate/execute lease of land to private partners/entrepreneurs.
Land Requirement For Different Categories For Camps: Land requirement for the camp site would be in the range of 1200 to 2000 sq mtrs depending on location and type of camp.
All efforts should be made to encourage participation of the local community in the tourism related activities of the camp sites. Training and sensitization of the members of the local communities should be undertaken for capacity building and for creating awareness about economic benefits of tourism to the local communities.
Carrying capacity must be kept in mind for wild life/adventure/new destinations campsites. There should be a minimum separation of 500 meters between camp sites and no more than two campsites in an area of one square kilometer.
The State Government would undertake initiatives and campaigns to promote the camping facilities located in their states.
Silent features of the draft guidelines for approval and classification of Tented Accommodation
The classification of Tented Accommodation (Camping sites) is proposed to be done based on the minimum of 6 tents and the minimum size of 10x 10ft. with a height of 7 ft. in two categories as under:
On the suggestion of the stakeholders the service and facilities to be provided in the tented accommodation have been scaled down as compared to the hotels in view of its location in far flung and difficult areas. However, basic requirements like toilet, water, bed-sheets have been retained.
Since land is a critical component of the Camps, the ownership/lease etc. is to be established. The permission of the District Magistrate/Collector of the District for tented accommodation would be taken.
The arrangements for the safety & security of the tourists would be a critical factor in criteria for classification and approval of the tented accommodation.
Appropriate weightage in the Guidelines has been provided for promotion of local resources such as local folk dance and music, local arts and handicrafts and employment of local youth.
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