KOCHI: Homestays present a unique opportunity for all types of travellers. They give them a firsthand experience of the culture and traditions of a place. Another positive aspect of these homestays are the cheap rates they charge while providing classy service and quality food. These enterprises play a very big role in the growth of Kerala Tourism industry.
However, this part of tourism industry is unable to take off due to hurdles created by the various government departments. Entrepreneurs find it difficult to run their business smoothly due lack of coordination among the various government departments. Many even quit the field after being made to run from pillar to post get their various documents approved.
“Entrepreneurs hesitate to go to government offices to get their licences renewed fearing the long tangle of red tape that awaits them there. The procedures are long and time consuming. This coupled with the attitude of the officials are a great put off. The only body that has a proactive stand when it comes to the homestays is the Tourism Department,” said M P Sivadatha of the Kerala Home stay and Tourism Development Society. Procedures are many if you want to start a homestay. “The first things that you need are clearances from the KWA, Pollution Control board, Labour, local bodies, local self-government bodies, and police,” he said. The only way to bring more people into the industry to make the steps involved in getting the licences renewed much more transparent. But decision rests with the government, Sivadatha added.
Globally, the trend in tourism is changing. A tourist today does not visit a place to just see it, but to experience its culture and traditions too. “All this can be provided by a homestay,” said Sivadatha.
Commercial tariff
Once you start a homestay, KWA will start charging you under the commercial tariff. However, it should be noted that many of these homestays are run by people who have converted one or two rooms in their homes for this purpose. So to charge them commercial tariff is unfair. Earlier KSEB too used to charge these establishments rates marked for commercial enterprises. However, the charges were rolled back following continuous demands. Now they are being charged only domestic tariff.
Cultural exchange
Homestays are places where cultural exchanges take place. Such cultural exchange do not happen when tourists stay at a hotel or lodge. At a homestay, the guest stays with the family. He or she gets to see the daily routine of the family. They cook, eat and entertain with the family. In many cases the guests staying at the homestays develop a strong bond with the family so much so that many have landed jobs abroad with the help of their guests. Many guests come back to their favourite homestays every year.
A single licence
Homestay entrepreneurs are demanding a single licence issued by the Department of Tourism along with clearance by local bodies. The procedural delay has prompted many entrepreneurs to stop their business while some continue without renewal and this makes their business illegal.
There are nearly 800 homestays in Kerala of which nearly 120 are located in and around Kochi. They provide a means of livelihood for many. “Government should initiate steps to bring in inter-departmental coordination to facilitate homestay entrepreneurs. It may be noted that no crime has ever been reported at a recognised homestay,” said Sivadatha.
How and where to apply for homestay registration in Kerala?
You can either collect application form for homestay Registration from District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office or can apply online.
If you are submitting a hard copy, then sent it to the concerned DTPC office.
You have to pay certain amount as registration fees depending on the type of homestay.
The fee for Class A - Diamond House is Rs 3000, for Class B - Gold House is Rs 2000, and for Class C - Silver House is Rs 1000.
The Demand Draft may be payable to the Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, payable at Thiruvananthapuram. The fee is not refundable in case of rejection of classification
The classification for homestay units will be given only in those cases where the owner of the unit along with his/her family is physically residing in it
In case of dissatisfaction with the decision of the categorisation on classification, the unit may appeal to the Secretary (Tourism), Government of Kerala within 30 days of receiving the communication
The application should be accompanied by:
A clearance certificate from the Panchayat/ Municipality/Corporation,
A Police Clearance Certificate from the Local Station House Officer
Document regarding the ownership of the building
The important road stretches from the building
The building plan
A checklist of facilities and services providing
The checklist should be duly filled in and signed on all pages
The pictures which depicts the interior and exterior of the house