MADIKERI: Homestay owners in Kodagu have called on the state government to take immediate action against over 2,000 illegal homestays operating in the district. The demand comes in the wake of a sexual assault on a US tourist at a registered homestay in Kutta, which has raised serious concerns about tourist safety.
Speaking to media persons here on Sunday, members of the Kodagu District Homestay Association urged the state government to fill the vacant post of Deputy Director of Tourism Department. Association president Monthi Ganesh said the lack of proper administration has left many tourism operators without guidance and contributed to illegal activities in the sector.
"The district is a major tourist hub, with thousands of homestays and numerous resorts. Yet, the post of Deputy Director has been vacant for several months, which hampers proper regulation," Ganesh said. She emphasised that strict enforcement against illegal homestays is essential, including police action to ensure visitor safety.
Association member K M Karumbaiah revealed that while 2,470 homestays are officially registered, over 2,000 others are operating without authorization. Members also raised concerns about tourists being misled by brokers near bus stands and other public spaces, who direct them to illegal accommodations.
Condemning the recent assault at Devi Villa homestay in Kutta, Ganesh said the facility was registered with the tourism department. She argued that the deputy commissioner could have suspended the license instead of cancelling it outright, given that the case is still under investigation.
Kodagu SP K Bindu Mani convened a meeting with owners of hotels, resorts, homestays, and travel agencies to reinforce safety protocols for tourists. The SP instructed owners to comply with the law and warned that they would be held accountable for any illegal or criminal activity on their premises.