KOCHI: The state government has offered several sops for homestay and serviced villas tourism sector struggling to survive for long.
During a recent meeting with the members of Kerala State Homestay and Tourism Association (Kerala HATS), tourism director Sheikh Pareeth promised relaxation of registration procedures and special concessions.
The meeting was organised as per the instruction of tourism minister A. P. Anil Kumar. The tourism director agreed to minimise the formalities and procedures for registration and renewal of home stays, which will benefit hundreds of entrepreneurs.
It was also decided to give special concessions and considerations to heritage properties more than 50 years old while registering.
The government will issue an order on the concept and rules and regulations which will help all departments, including the police, KSEB, local self-governments, Kerala Water Authority and Finance in fixing charges.
The homestay owners have been up in arms against the lack of clarity in fixing power bills, tax, water bills and other charges.
“With the definition and rules and regulations, homestays will be considered as a separate category which will benefit the entrepreneurs. Now, they are being considered as lodges attracting commercial tariff,” said M. P. Sivadathan, director of Kerala HATS.
The state has nearly 400 licensed and more than 2000 unlicensed homestays and 57 licensed serviced villas. But, the state government’s unsupportive approach and policies were a setback for the industry.
Kerala HATS is organising a Homestays and Rural Tourism Travel Meet from September 1 to 3 at Bolgatty Convention Centre, Kochi. The meet aims at creating awareness and understanding the significance of homestays, serviced villas and rural tourism.
