NEW DELHI, April 19: Pakistan is studying an Indian experiment to boost tourism by bringing the ‘bed and breakfast’ concept to the region that could substantially increase the availability of rented rooms in both countries, an Indian statement said after tourism ministers of both countries met here on Thursday.

Visiting Pakistani Minister for Tourism, Ms Nilofar Bakhtiar and India’s Ambika Soni also discussed ways to increase bilateral tourism.

Ms Bakhtiar is here to participate in the South Asian Tourism and Travel Expo. Ms Soni welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives in promoting tourism by granting visa on arrival to nationals of 24 countries.

The Pakistan minister “was greatly appreciative” of India’s initiative with regard to the ‘bed and breakfast’ scheme which will supplement the number of rooms and also provide experimental tourism to domestic and foreign tourists, the statement said.

Ms Bakhtiar inquired into the details of the scheme and stated that she would explore the possibility of launching a similar initiative in Pakistan.

Ms Soni said the composite dialogue process with Pakistan would go a long way in boosting ties and people-to-people contact between the two sides. “Both the leaders felt that there is a tremendous tourism potential in both the countries which should be tapped,” the statement said.