DARJEELING: Homestays in Darjeeling are nothing new, but it is only recently that the concept is flourishing as a business opportunity. The state has also promised to incentivize and promote homestays. However, owners are in a dilemma over the government’s homestay policies to operate it as a business.
Anil Gurung, a retired government employee running a homestay for the past few years in Darjeeling sub-division, said, “Homestay is an alternative source of income for us and provides employment. Most of us are running our homestay as a small venture. However, according to the policies of the Bengal government on homestays, there are certain issues that are not relevant to us.”
Gurung pointed that clause such as making fire licence, sarai licence, and food licence mandatory and the specifications on room and bathroom sizes could be a hindrance to the business. “We are aware that safety and security of tourists are of
paramount importance. But homestay also means tourists living with us, eating the food that we have and adhering to family norms. This should not be compared to hotels,” he said.
On Monday, owners of more than 50 homestays from Darjeeling,
Kurseong and Mirik formed the Himalayan Homestay Owners Association (HHOA). The association will, over the week, form its committee and decide on the heads with portfolios. For the time being, Gurung has been appointed its convener.
“In Darjeeling, we cannot have big
industries. However, tourism and homestays can flourish. The state government wants to promote homestays. We too want to do responsible tourism. But policies must be lenient towards us,” he said.
At present, homestays in the Hills are run simply by having trade licences. A verification team that categorizes homestays is yet to visit the Hills. According to the HHOA, there are more than ,3000 homestays in the region with above 400 in Darjeeling alone.
“Our objective of forming an organization is to work for the welfare of the members. We anticipate that in time, we may have to face problems and issues. Individually, we cannot solve it, but under an umbrella, we can work things out. This is where an association will come in handy,” Gurung said.
Plans are also afoot to bring people in the homestay business in Sikkim, Terai and
Dooars under the HHOA. During an interaction session on Monday, the members highlighted the need to follow etiquette and responsible tourism.
