Homestays concept catching up in Karnataka

Bangalore, Aug 10 (UNI) The novel concept of 'Homestays' is emerging popular in Karnataka with the planters of coffee districts like Kodagu, Chikmagalur and parts of Hassan throwing open their estate homes for tourists from India and abroad.

The concept, which had emerged as an alternate income source for planters when coffee trade was in trouble, has now become a novelty.

Tourists, mainly foreigners, coming down to stay in homes of people living amidst picturesque coffee plantation and hill stations under the 'Homestay' concept promoted by the Karnataka Tourism Department, were returning with memorable experiences, Karnataka Tourism Minister Sriramulu said today.

He was speaking at a 'mini connect' programme, an interatction between tourism department and the owners of such homes, whom he said, were offering very good hospitality. This had proved to be a huge business opportunity for people, mainly those belonging to middle and upper middle classes, living in hilly Malnad region, he added.

The minister said the state government would extend all help to the people who were involved in popularising the Homestays.

However, the house owners should ensure that the environment of the serene hill station was not affected due to tourist activity.

''There has been some positive development in the state's tourism sector in terms of investment. Last year investments in the hotel sector amounted to Rs 160 crore. Improvement of roads leading to certain tourism destinations are some of the initiatives taken up by the government,'' the minister said.

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