From Deomali to Daringbadi, homestays get a push

Bhubaneswar: With an increasing number of travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, particularly in emerging destinations, the state govt is now betting on curated homestays to boost tourism and address the shortage of quality accommodation.A year after launching the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025, the tourism department has identified 61 gram panchayats across 19 districts where residents can set up homestays with govt assistance. As many as 19 clusters covering these panchayats have been earmarked in the 19 districts that have tourist attractions but lack adequate accommodation facilities.For instance, in the Koraput cluster, the department has identified Kotia, Lankaput and Guneipada, which cover tourist destinations such as Deomali, Kechela and Duduma waterfalls. Based on the tourism potential of these destinations, the department has set a target of establishing 60 homestays in the cluster.Similarly, in Kandhamal district, where Daringbadi is one of the most visited tourist destinations, Daringbadi, Greenbadi, Sraniketa, Siangabadi and Pliheri have been identified for the establishment of 50 homestays. According to the tourism department, 380 homestays are targeted to be set up in cycle 1 of the scheme.Tourism commissioner-cum-secretary Balwant Singh said the department is currently inviting applications from individuals, including rural entrepreneurs, interested in setting up homestays under the first phase of implementation. “The response has been encouraging so far. After a month, applications will be shortlisted and if the number exceeds the target, a lottery system will be used to select beneficiaries,” he added.Under the scheme, each selected project will receive financial assistance of up to 50% of the fixed capital investment. The incentive is capped at Rs 2.5 lakh per room and can be availed for a maximum of four rooms, taking the total assistance per homestay to Rs 10 lakh.“Earlier, homestays in the state largely operated as bed-and-breakfast facilities, where owners were mostly absent and properties functioned like guest houses. However, there were a few authentic homestays where owners personally hosted guests and offered experiences rooted in local culture and cuisine. We now want to promote curated homestays that reflect local aesthetics and provide immersive local experiences to travellers,” Singh said.Apart from financial incentives for new homestays, the department will also extend non-financial support to existing homestay owners through capacity building, branding and marketing assistance. “We will promote these properties on the Odisha Tourism and Go-Homestay portals to enhance their credibility. Owners will also be encouraged to participate in tourism events across the country,” Singh added.In March this year, the state govt launched the Go-Homestay portal for the application, registration, management and promotion of homestays across Odisha under the scheme.Bhubaneswar: With an increasing number of travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, particularly in emerging destinations, the state govt is now betting on curated homestays to boost tourism and address the shortage of quality accommodation.A year after launching the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025, the tourism department has identified 61 gram panchayats across 19 districts where residents can set up homestays with govt assistance. As many as 19 clusters covering these panchayats have been earmarked in the 19 districts that have tourist attractions but lack adequate accommodation facilities.For instance, in the Koraput cluster, the department has identified Kotia, Lankaput and Guneipada, which cover tourist destinations such as Deomali, Kechela and Duduma waterfalls. Based on the tourism potential of these destinations, the department has set a target of establishing 60 homestays in the cluster.Similarly, in Kandhamal district, where Daringbadi is one of the most visited tourist destinations, Daringbadi, Greenbadi, Sraniketa, Siangabadi and Pliheri have been identified for the establishment of 50 homestays. According to the tourism department, 380 homestays are targeted to be set up in cycle 1 of the scheme.Tourism commissioner-cum-secretary Balwant Singh said the department is currently inviting applications from individuals, including rural entrepreneurs, interested in setting up homestays under the first phase of implementation. “The response has been encouraging so far. After a month, applications will be shortlisted and if the number exceeds the target, a lottery system will be used to select beneficiaries,” he added.Under the scheme, each selected project will receive financial assistance of up to 50% of the fixed capital investment. The incentive is capped at Rs 2.5 lakh per room and can be availed for a maximum of four rooms, taking the total assistance per homestay to Rs 10 lakh.“Earlier, homestays in the state largely operated as bed-and-breakfast facilities, where owners were mostly absent and properties functioned like guest houses. However, there were a few authentic homestays where owners personally hosted guests and offered experiences rooted in local culture and cuisine. We now want to promote curated homestays that reflect local aesthetics and provide immersive local experiences to travellers,” Singh said.Apart from financial incentives for new homestays, the department will also extend non-financial support to existing homestay owners through capacity building, branding and marketing assistance. “We will promote these properties on the Odisha Tourism and Go-Homestay portals to enhance their credibility. Owners will also be encouraged to participate in tourism events across the country,” Singh added.In March this year, the state govt launched the Go-Homestay portal for the application, registration, management and promotion of homestays across Odisha under the scheme.