Homestays are redefining travel plans with their personal touch

Homestays give visitors a special experience and stand testimony to India’s famed hospitality. Unlike home stays, which offer the opportunity to accommodate large groups and families, formal hotels have restrictions on the number of visitors they may hold. It provides a level of luxury and individuality that even the most popular hotels cannot match

The hotel industry in India is getting ready for significant changes in order to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of the modern tourist. The country’s travel industry is expected to develop at 11 to 11.5 per cent, reaching a staggering $48 billion.

In order to meet the enormous demand for homestays among foreign and domestic travellers, India needs to add 2.5 million rooms to the homestay market. Travel fans are searching for hassle-free, relaxing vacations that include comfort and convenience. People prefer vacation spots that are both affordable and close to their homes.

The ultimate pleasure of a vacation is the opportunity to relax and revitalise in a place that makes you feel at home. Unquestionably, one way to serve the expanding travel industry in India is through home stays. As a result of the significant demand in the Indian industry, homestays are offering expanding business opportunities. Both vacationers and homeowners can consider them as a suitable choice.

The hype around a homestay

A homestay is a private residence that has been transformed by the host into lodging. It includes a variety of extras, such as meals, a personal butler and local transportation. It's a terrific way to get involved in local affairs and experience a sense of ‘home away from home’. Homestays give visitors a special experience and stand testimony to India’s famed hospitality. Unlike home stays, which offer the opportunity to accommodate large groups and families, formal hotels have restrictions on the number of visitors they may hold. It provides a level of luxury and individuality that even the most popular hotels cannot match.

There are many various kinds of homestays, including luxury, boutique, farm, and business/workspace options. They could be stone houses, villas, bungalows or chalets. Home-owners have installed opulent amenities like pools, gyms, and house auditoriums for a premium homestay experience to survive the ruthless competition. Let's explore a few factors that have contributed to the popularity of homestays.

Peaceful locations far away from city

The calm settings are a big factor on why homestays are becoming increasingly popular. Homestays are the ideal getaway because they are situated in charming districts away from the busy city centre and tourist route. While sipping coffee and taking in the sunrise between the hills, tourists may avoid tourist traps, touts, frauds and other problems.

Personalized service

The beauty and spirit of homestays is that they provide visitors the chance to experience the coziness of a one-on-one connection. This is because it is administered by homeowners, who also double up as hosts and only cater to one family at a time. The owners can serve as your tour guides and show you around, arrange transportation for day trips and prepare meals as desired by you.

Distinctive accommodations

The idea of staying in impersonal accommodations has grown old. Homestays provide an unrivalled chance to explore India's breathtaking beauty and diversity. There are several possibilities for homestays, such as tree huts, stone homes, farm houses, plantation bungalows, old havelis (mansions) and rural cottages. There are other options like residing with a tribal family or a royal family.

Unique activities

Depending on the location of the homestay, proprietors invest a lot of effort into planning activities for the hosts. Some of the alternatives include touring a coffee plantation in Coorg or attending a polo match in Rajasthan.

For that authentic local experience

Homestays enable tourists to get out of their comfort zones and interact with the local culture. A homestay offers tourists a genuine and unadulterated experience that includes getting to know local people, eating food that is grown nearby and taking in the wonders of other cultures.

Affordable alternative

A hotel offers expert services and it can occasionally be rather expensive to stay there for just a day. An excellent alternative without any additional levies is a homestay.

Instead of paying extravagantly only on a room at a standard hotel, tourists may afford that extra excursion or a pampering session at an Ayurveda resort.

(The author is co-founder and CEO of Ekostay)