Thursday, 03 October 2024 | AFZAL HUSSAIN FAUJI | NAINITAL
The homestay scheme of the State government is boosting self employment and mitigating migration of youth who are now earning from tourism activities. The Tourism department is also providing a subsidy under the homestay scheme, which is boosting this activity.
Officials informed that there are about 6,000 homestays registered in the State. In addition to financial assistance, the government is also facilitating training in hospitality skills and marketing to homestay owners. This is boosting the income of residents while at the same time tourists are getting cheap accommodation in mountainous regions while also enjoying the culture and traditional foods of Uttarakhand. Homestays have become a popular means of income in the State.
The Nainital district tourism officer Atul Bhandari said that a total of 909 homestays are registered in the district in addition to 995 units of registered hotels, resorts and tent colonies. A number of new homestay and hotel units have been established in the district during the past five years. According to official figures, Nainital district has the highest number of homestays in the State, he added.
Bhandari further informed that the government is executing various schemes to generate employment. As part of the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali scheme, a 33 per cent subsidy is being provided for operating homestay, resort, café, restaurant and adventure activity, among other tourist related activities. Under the Pandit Deendayal homestay scheme, the government provides a loan of upto Rs 15 lakh and 50 per cent subsidy for construction of a homestay, Bhandari informed.
