Padmavati Prabhu
Panaji
The homestays operating in the state henceforth will have to offer a variety of activities and experiences to tourists depending on their geographic location and cultural ethos of the place that broadly include activities pertaining to ecotourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism and agro tourism, among others.
The Tourism Department has now come up with guidelines for ensuring regulated
operations of homestays.
“The homestays can facilitate different experiences like nature-based activities including treks, birdwatching, and visits to waterfalls, temples, farms, etc so that they can experience a different side of Goa. The homestays can offer it themselves or tie up with the groups or persons that offer such activities,” tourism director Kedar Naik said, adding that the initiative will help in pushing the concept of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’.
The government has formulated the Homestay and Bed and Breakfast Scheme to incentivise tourism in seven hinterland talukas of the state and promote the department’s vision of ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’.
It also aims to encourage women and youth to engage in tourism business, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in addition to augmenting the arrangement of accommodation units to cater to the growing demand.
As per the guidelines, the homestays should be equipped with necessary facilities including a well-maintained and well-equipped house in traditional style and with basic facilities like 24-hours running hot and cold water, among others.
The guidelines stated that the owners of the signed-up homestays shall not use the homestay for any other commercial purpose other than tourism-related activities or services.
They have also been asked to ensure the mandatory use of Tourists Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software for the collection of tourist-related statistics.
“The homestay or B&B owners or assignees should mandatorily submit the C-forms for all foreign tourists, staying in the homestay or B&B,” stated the guidelines.
The guidelines also said the homestay should be maintained in a good, stable, and safe condition with proper hygiene for habitation of tourists and comply with the prescribed rules respecting standards of health, safety and security.
