Goa Government Revamps Homestay Policy to Empower Rural Communities
The Goa government has announced a significant revision to its homestay policy aimed at strengthening the hospitality sector in rural areas. With a focus on empowering local communities, particularly women, the new policy offers a direct grant of ₹2 lakh to eligible applicants for establishing homestays. This change replaces the previous reimbursement model, which posed challenges for rural families. The initiative not only aims to enhance tourism but also seeks to create livelihood opportunities and preserve cultural heritage. The application process for the revised scheme will begin after the current legislative session ends on August 8, marking a pivotal step towards inclusive tourism development in Goa.
| Jul 29, 2025, 15:31 IST
Strengthening Hospitality in Goa's Rural Areas
In an effort to enhance the hospitality ecosystem in Goa's rural regions, the state government has revised its homestay policy to better support local communities, as announced by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. Under the updated policy, eligible applicants will receive a direct grant of ₹2 lakh to establish homestays, replacing the previous reimbursement model that posed financial challenges, particularly for rural families.
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During a media briefing at the ongoing monsoon session of the state assembly, Khaunte explained that the original policy required beneficiaries to invest upfront and then claim the amount later, which was impractical for women in rural households. Based on feedback, necessary adjustments have been made to ensure the policy is inclusive, accessible, and genuinely empowering. The revised policy specifically targets homestays located within the owner's residence, offering accommodations ranging from one to six rooms for guests. To maintain the rural focus, benefits will be limited to non-coastal and non-urban areas.
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Khaunte emphasized that this initiative is designed with women's empowerment in mind, as rural homestays will primarily be managed by women in the household. He noted that this effort is not just about adding inventory to our tourism ecosystem but also about creating livelihood opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and enabling rural women to take on leadership roles in community-based tourism. The application process for beneficiaries under the revised scheme will commence after the current legislative session concludes on August 8.