Homestay in Davao City

Homestay. It is a form of accomodation for tourists and guests of a certain place where instead of staying in a hotel, they stay at the home of a local family.

While it is not new, this is a growing trend among travellers who are looking to get a feel of what it is like living in a certain place; looking for a place where they can stay on budget; and somewhere much nearer to certain tourist destinations.

With the presence of Airbnb, many locals have tapped into this form of tourism-related business.

As Kadayawan draws near, Davao City is looking into tapping homestays to be able to cater to guests visiting the city during the festival.

However, Generose Tecson, City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head, has urged those who will be using their houses or apartments for homestay to get business permits and follow proper tourism procedures and protocols.

“We have guidelines in the tourism code about homestay. They should have their own rooms and other basic amenities that should be there. But we will check [the homestay aspect]. I think it is a very big industry,” she said.

While it seems a lot to take in for those who will be offering their houses or apartments as homestay units, these protocols and requirements are necessary to ensure that the tourists are staying at quality accomodations and at the same time ensure the safety of the homeowners too.

Homestays, in some way, also gives a glimpse to the tourists or guests what it is like to live in a home here in Davao City.

When we follow the rules and standards, we can be assured of the safety of the owners and tourists. At the same time, we are able to present to them that in Davao City, life is here.