Homestay Business Workshop Signifies a Crucial Measure in Fostering Rural Tourism Promotion

Homestays have gained popularity as a unique and personalized accommodation option for travelers seeking an authentic experience in local communities.

RED | Jammu

The LJK Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD), in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, successfully organized a three-day homestay business workshop. The workshop aimed to empower entrepreneurs from various regions of Jammu by enhancing their skills and knowledge in running a successful homestay business.

The concluding ceremony of the homestay business workshop was graced by the presence of Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary to the Government, Tourism and Culture Department Jammu and Kashmir, who served as the chief guest. The event was further honored by the attendance of Baldev Prakash, the Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Vivekanand Rai, Director of Tourism Jammu; Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director of Tourism Jammu; Manish Ahluwalia, Director of LEAD; CA Sat Sharma, Board Member and Secretary of LEAD; and CA Rajeev Gupta, Board Member and Secretary of LEAD.

The workshop, held at the TRC Jammu, was attended by approximately 80 interested stakeholders and aspiring local entrepreneurs from Districts Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Jammu, Rajouri, and Reasi.

The primary objective behind organizing this workshop was to provide interested individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills required to establish and manage successful homestay businesses. Homestays have gained popularity as a unique and personalized accommodation option for travelers seeking an authentic experience in local communities. By providing tourists with the opportunity to stay with local families, homestays promote cultural exchange and contribute to the socio-economic development of rural areas.

The three-day capacity building workshop covered a wide range of topics relevant to the establishment and management of homestay businesses. Participants had the opportunity to learn about key aspects such as hospitality management, guest relations, marketing and promotion, financial planning, and legal considerations. The workshop also emphasized the importance of maintaining the cultural heritage and ecological balance of the region while engaging in tourism activities.

Experts from the tourism industry, government officials, and successful homestay owners shared their knowledge and experiences with the participants. These interactions provided valuable insights and practical tips for the attendees, enabling them to understand the nuances of the homestay business and apply the knowledge gained to their own ventures.

The workshop was designed to be highly interactive, incorporating group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities. Participants were encouraged to share their ideas, ask questions, and engage in collaborative learning. This approach fostered a supportive and conducive environment for networking and the exchange of ideas among the participants.

With the conclusion of the workshop, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, expects to witness a surge in the establishment of homestay businesses in the region. The attendees, armed with the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop, are now equipped to create unique and memorable experiences for tourists visiting Jammu. This will not only contribute to the economic growth of rural areas but also provide employment opportunities for local communities.

Moreover, the development of homestay businesses in Jammu will help showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditional practices, and natural beauty of the region to a broader audience. Tourists, in turn, will have the chance to immerse themselves in the local way of life, forging meaningful connections with the community and gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.

The success of this three-day workshop is a promising step towards the growth of rural tourism in Jammu. LEAD and the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, plans to continue organizing such capacity-building initiatives to empower local entrepreneurs and stakeholders, enabling them to harness the immense potential of the tourism industry while preserving the unique identity and charm of the region.

As Jammu’s homestay businesses flourish, the region is poised to become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience. The three-day workshop served as a catalyst, laying the foundation for a thriving rural tourism sector and highlighting the region’s incredible potential as a tourism hotspot.

Overall, the workshop served as a platform for participants to acquire knowledge, exchange ideas, and develop the necessary skills to thrive in the homestay business sector. It aimed to empower local entrepreneurs and stakeholders to contribute to the growth and development of tourism in the region.