[1]The state government has made it mandatory for operators of homestays, houseboats and ayurveda clinics, to obtain the Tourism Department’s sanction before starting their ventures.
This policy is aimed at checking tourists from being exploited. It also stipulates that the operators maintain a proper record of the services rendered to them.
“Till now we could directly apply for sanction from the local self bodies. But the new tourism policy has made it mandatory that operators obtain the Tourism Department’s nod before setting up shop,” said M.P. Shivadathan, director, Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society, while discussing the matter with Deccan Chronicle.
According to ministry sources, the rule was incorporated after it came to the notice of the authorities concerned that many local bodies were doling out licences without ensuring whether the rules stipulated by the department were observed or carried out.
“This led to the functioning of many illegal homestays which charged exorbitant fees without providing quality service,” the official said.
However, the government has taken a slew of measures to facilitate the operation of more registered homestay services.
“The additional commercial charges introduced by the last government have been withdrawn. Now these owners are charged only residential tariffs. We did this after coordinating with the KSEB and KWA,” the official said.
With a view to encouraging new entrants, the entrepreneurs running these services will be given special incentives to attend national and international campaign programmes for the first three years.
“These aids will be extended to attended one local or national fair and one international event during a financial year”, the official said.
The tourism department will provide a maximum `75,000 for attending international events and `50,000 for local programmes.
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