Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS): The West Bengal government is all set to popularise the concept of homestays for tourists who visit the state and seek an authentic experience, official sources said Monday.

According to Tourism Minister Bratya Basu, homestays are being promoted in Purulia, Sunderbans and hilly regions (in the northern part of the state).

Homestays allow travellers to board and lodge with locals and get a first-hand feel of the regional customs and culture. This gives an opportunity to the residents to earn a livelihood as well.

"The state government is promoting homestays. We are working on areas like Sunderbans, Purulia and the hills among others," Basu told IANS.

The proposed homestay sites include Sibkhola, Gulma, Chimney, Pokhritar, Chitrey, Bagora, Lavdah and Takdah in the hills and Panijhora, Mouchuki, Gonsaihat, Nimti, Jyanati and Magurmari in the Dooars (the floodplains and foothills of the eastern Himalayas in northeast India around Bhutan).

The theme for this year's World Tourism Day (Sep 27) is "Tourism and Community Development". To mark the occasion, the state government has planned a programme in Gajoldoba of Siliguri, the site of a proposed mega tourism hub.