In this, a family in a village plays host to the tourists. In return, the family is paid a handsome amount. According to tourism minister Manab Mukherjee, this trend is here to stay. “This is a new trend in the tourism industry. And it is catching up in areas like Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Murshidabad and even in places like Mukutmanipur,” he said. He was speaking at a tourism fair that began at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Friday.

For the initiative, the state government will provide supporting infrastructure such as huts, cots, kitchen utensils and other materials needed for a tourist outing.

“This symbiotic relationship between a rural host and the city-based tourist is gaining popularity in all major tourist spots of the state,” said writer Buddhadeb Guha, a former officer of the tourism department.

Not only in Bengal, rural tourism is also gaining popularity in the neighboring state of Jharkhand. “Jharkhand has received Rs 164 crore for rejuvenating its tourism industry,” said Arun Kr Singh, secretary of tourism in Jharkhand. A good amount is being spent on areas like Deogarh, Ranchi, Giridi and Rajgirh. To provide better service to the tourists, South Eastern Railways will ply 13 extra trains.