Goa’s homestay & B&B scheme: Empowering women, enriching rural tourism

Goa’s Department of Tourism has launched a transformative Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme to invigorate the rural economy and empower women across the state. Aligned with the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, the scheme encourages locals—especially women—to convert parts of their homes into guest accommodations, offering travelers authentic experiences beyond the coastline. The state cabinet recently approved the scheme, underlining its goal to diversify tourism into hinterland and heritage-rich areas.

Key features include:

• A one-time grant of ₹2 lakh to eligible homestay owners located in talukas such as Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem
• A suite of non-financial supports—including marketing guidance, training workshops, visibility on Goa Tourism platforms, and subsidized participation in domestic trade fairs
• A five-year validity period for the scheme, with an option for extension

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized the core objective: “Our primary emphasis is on women empowerment, and since most homestays are run by women, we thought of empowering them through this initiative.” Director of Tourism Kedar Naik highlighted the shift toward inclusive, decentralized, and regenerative tourism, aiming to engage local communities meaningfully while preserving Goa’s cultural and environmental heritage.

By channeling tourism earnings into rural households—especially women-led families—this pioneering scheme is well-positioned to generate sustainable livelihoods, balance tourism growth beyond the coast, and reinforce Goa’s standing as a model of community-driven tourism.