Homestays to propel the Indian tourism industry to achieve its full potential

Homestays can go a long way towards boosting the Indian tourism industry by addressing one of the major impediments faced by it, that of room shortage. The NITI Aayog’s proposed policy, aimed at helping states promote the homestay concept, is therefore a welcome step. It envisages providing financial support as well as easing the rules for the homestay business. Among other things, the plan suggests simplifying the registration process and digitizing the operations function.[1]

By enabling home owners across the country to put their properties to dual use by converting them partly into tourist accommodations, this initiative helps them become part of the expanding tourism economy. Where homestays stand out from regular hotels is in their ability to offer tourists an intimate glimpse into the local cultural ethos of the land they are visiting. At the same time, it gives a fillip to entrepreneurship and local economies, leading to much welcome employment generations. What’s more, homestay tourism can help protect and preserve the age-old heritage that is the hallmark of myriad destinations across our vast and fascinating country.

The idea behind a homestay is driven by drawing people from overcrowded urban centres who live extremely busy and often stressful lives to temporarily stay in the beautiful countryside in the lap of nature, housed in economical accommodation eating wholesome local cuisine. These offer tourists an immersive experience that lets them connect with the local culture and enriches them physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The rural and semi-urban destinations that welcome such tourists benefit immensely by adding a healthy and recurring income stream to their earnings. It also incentivizes them to invest in environmental conservation as well as the restoration and maintenance of heritage structures and properties. Overall, it helps them enhance not only their living standards, but also helps them invest in educating their children and thereby improve their circumstances in life.

Given that the vast landmass of India, ranging from Alpine forests in the Himalayan states and the shimmering sands of the desert state of Rajasthan to spectacular coastal destinations, incredible wildlife sanctuaries, medieval forts, palaces, and ancient temples has so much to offer to tourists, the business potential of the homestay model is boundless. In fact, it has the potential to transform local economies across the small towns and hamlets of India from the North to the South, and the East to the West.

What is required is for people to buy into this concept and use it to improve their lives. Their involvement in this has to be at a level that makes them genuine stakeholders in the opportunity. From inculcating high standards of hygiene, learning the nuances of etiquette so as to be able to interact comfortably with visitors from around the world to training them in the operational aspects of the hospitality trade, there is much work that needs to be done for the nation to reap the full benefits of a booming tourism industry powered by the empowering homestay concept, which promises to transform the Indian people’s lives.

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/niti-aayog-lays-out-policy-roadmap-to-promote-homestays-in-india/articleshow/123453585.cms?from=mdr