A home away from home in NE
The search for authentic experiences and economical accommodation has drawn travellers to homestays in the culturally rich states of the North East, with Stayzilla clocking around 20 per cent of the total homestay bookings in the region.
Homestays are becoming a favoured accommodation option as travellers seek an authentic experience and become increasingly open to new things. As per a report by HolidayIQ, the share of travellers choosing to stay in homestays has increased from under 10 per cent in 2013 to 18 per cent in 2015 and is slated to grow to more than 20 per cent by the end of this year. Integration
North East India, in particular, has turned out to be a hotbed owing to the undersupply of accommodation options in the region, especially in the remote areas. Guests are given an opportunity to delve into the culture and day-to-day activities of the locals, leaving an authentic and rich experience for the guests to cherish. The alternate accommodation, in turn, has also benefitted the locals by empowering many with employment and encourages ecotourism.
Ankit Rastogi, Vice President – Marketplaces, Stayzilla, informs, “Around 20 per cent of the total bookings have been for homestays based in the East and North East with the demand increasing as more travellers seek out enriching travel ex- periences and are eager to learn about the culture of the land.” The homestays range between a reasonable ` 300 to ` 7000, with an average stay of about three nights. The key to delivering a fulfilling experience, Rastogi explains, is to be able to meet the expectations of both the guest and the supplier. “The secret here is to find a balance between not just the right home but also the right person. Finding the right match over shared interests can connect hosts and guests to spend hours chatting over a simple meal!” Hit with domestic tourists
Lionel Nongkhlaw, owner of Pine Hall Homestay based in Shillong, comments that it is mostly domestic tourists who are frequent guests at the property. “We get a large number of tourists mainly from neighbouring states like West Bengal and Assam aged roughly between 30-50 years,” he adds. Since Pine Hall started operations three years ago, Nongkhlaw has seen the demand grow visibly especially during MayJuly and October-December as more travellers seek a ‘home away from home’ experience. Home-cooked food, complimentary breakfast and arrangements, are some of the facilities that are offered here. Easing regulations
The Ministry of Tourism is also working on easing rules to encourage people to offer their homes. Presently, homestays have to be licensed by the state government which needs to be renewed annually or biannually. Additionally, the property is expected to pay taxes at commercial rates. The revised proposal exempts homestays from such taxes, as well as electricity and water charges, and initiates easier certification process.
The secret here is between not just the right home but also the right person We get a large number of tourists mainly from West Bengal and Assam aged roughly between 30-50 years