Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 5: The state tourism department, under its initiative to give thrust to tourism, has begun to issue licences for running Homestays in the district. As per information, this measure of the department has been getting enthusiastic response.

During the last one month, five Homestays have been given permission, while five more applications are under scrutiny.

Although coastal Karnataka boasts of several places of tourism and pilgrimage interests, Homestay as a business prospect had not grown to the extent it has in some neighbouring districts and states. There is a perception that the attack on a Homestay that happened in the city a few years ago gave rise to apprehension in the minds of tourists while the owners of such facilities too were worried. The Homestays here receive more guests during week ends and holidays, and most of the visitors either come here for having fun at beaches or visiting Pilikula.

Mangaluru city

The only two Homestays earlier registered with the department of tourism were at Bejai and Tiruvail till a month ago. Within a month, this number has seen over three-fold increase to seven. The department reportedly has received 12 Homestay enquires from different entities located at Sampaje, Adyar, Subrahmanya, Kulai and Pajir. The Homestays would need clearance from police and local administration before they can be considered for registration.

Like elsewhere, here too tourists prefer Homestays with ancient architecture or rural background. While sectors like temple tourism, health tourism and trekking remain largely unexploited here, with the increased awareness, there is more stress on quality of service and cleanliness. The government awards ratings to Homestays based on several parameters and tourists normally look at these ratings before booking them. Therefore if the people are prepared to go an extra mile to maintain buildings well and provide high quality food and service besides keeping an eye on hygiene and cleanliness, their financial position can improve over a period of time.