Phl homestay market still underdeveloped – JLL

Safety and accessibility are some of the issues the homestay market needs to work on for this accommodation sector to thrive, a property analyst said.

“We think the homestay market has a lot of potential in a market like the Philippines, since its target profile of tourists are those who are inclined to get immersed with the local culture. However, there are also a lot of work that needs to be done in order to develop this market,” said Claro Cordero, head of research, consultancy and valuation services at Jones Lang Lasalle.

Cordero said homestay developments would thrive in areas that are safe, comfortable, accessible and affordable for tourists.

“The stakeholders, especially in the provincial areas, need to address these issues well to help develop these areas,” Cordero said.

Meanwhile, Colliers International Philippines Research Manager Joey Roi Bondoc told

homestay accommodations may be used as temporary solutions to address the lack of hotels in some areas while necessary infrastructure is still being developed.

“The lack of hotels can also be attributed to the lack of infrastructure leading to tourist destinations. So while road infra in the countryside is being developed, this scheme should suffice for now,” Bondoc said. In an earlier interview with

The STAR, Tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said the agency’s homestay program is one initiative to address the lack of accommodations in the provinces, especially for underdeveloped areas.

The homestay program provides tourists alternative accommodation, which involves board and lodging while sharing the Filipino culture and lifestyle to their guests.

“You see how Filipinos live. You see the culture, the hospitality, how the children pay respect to their parents,” Teo said.

While the homestay program is able to address the lack of accommodations in some areas, Bondoc said there is still a need to put up hotels once infrastructure, particularly roads leading to tourist destinations are developed, in order to attract more tourists.

“But the long term goal for DOT and other government agencies is to really ramp up infra to entice more tourists and eventually travel and tourism investors who will develop the much needed accommodation facilities,” Bondoc siad.