Homestay tourism needs governmental support in West Bengal

West Bengal is blessed with a plethora of natural bounty - with the glistening Himalayas in the north to the captivating Bay of Bengal in the south. Tourism can be a major revenue earner for West Bengal.

- Saptarshi Deb

The state has some established tourism locations like Darjeeling and Digha which attract thousands of domestic and international tourists each year. Additionally, a host of new destinations and trends are looking to change the face of tourism in West Bengal. Among the emerging trends, homestay tourism should receive a special mention because of its recent traction and its ability to ensure community development and economic well-being.

North Bengal has seen a positive explosion of homestay tourism – with locals hosting tourists at their residences. The trend has found popularity as many tourists are shunning their age-old preference for more formal accommodations to opt for the informal homestays, looking to experience local culture.

Homestay tourism – policy

The West Bengal government published its “West Bengal Homestay Tourism Policy – 2022” last year to consolidate and promote the homestay segment. Globally, homestay tourism can be defined as the form of tourism where tourists can stay with the member of a local family wherein social and cultural interactions take place along with exploring various tourist destinations.

The policy defines homestays as a property where the owner of the property or his/her family is physically residing and let out a minimum of one and a maximum of six rooms (12 beds) with toilet facilities exclusively for tourists.