BANGKOK, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand plans to promote the so-called "home lodge" places for foreign visitors to stay and feel the community-based ways of life of the locals.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed on Saturday his agency plans to promote some 1,500 "home lodge" places in all regions of the country next year.
An estimated 10,000 foreign visitors, particularly including free, independent travelers, are expected on yearly basis to check in at those "home lodge" places where they can view and learn the locals' ways of life, art and culture and buy their indigenously-manufactured goods, Phipat said.
Authorities will see to it that all the "home lodge" places will be convenient, clean and safe for visitors and environmentally friendly, he said.
The "home lodge" places are supposedly located in the neighborhood of communities of the so-called secondary tourist towns as opposed to urban or business areas nationwide, according to the tourism minister.
He said the "home lodge" service could help increase the tourism-related incomes and stimulate the local economy.
