Tourism News
Kerala needs more homestays
Due to the increased tourist turnout to the state, Kerala
needs an added number of homestays, said Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister
for Tourism. The government is obliged to encourage and support the homestay
industry, however, there will be no compromise over closing down unauthorized
homestays, he added.
The minister was speaking on the occasion of inaugurating Kerala Homestay and
Tourism Society (Kerala HATS), a society devoted for the co-ordination of the
homestays in the state . He said that the government proposes to fix separate
electricity meter in the homestay portion of the house so that power used by
the guests alone will be charged commercial tariff.
A new website on homestays of Kerala has been launched by Mr. Jacob Punnoose,
ADGP. The website, www.keralahomestay.org,
provides complete district-wise information on the homestay service providers
of the state.
Dr. Venu, V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism, informed that around 5,000 homestays
will be started in the wake of the increased demand for accommodation. Setting
up of budget hotels will also be encouraged.
