'Homestays' to be replicated by ex-servicemen nationally

Kochi, Mar 29 (UNI) Lauding the initiative by ex-servicemen in Kerala to start homestays for tourists, Director General, Resettlement, Major General Harwant Krishan today said the idea would be replicated at the national level also to provide an employment avenue for those retiring from the armed services.

Inaugurating a seminar here on 'Role of Ex-servicemen and Development of Tourism through Homestays in Kerala,' Maj. Gen.

Krishan said this was one of the finest projects launched by ex-servicemen in the country.

''Kerala has set an example for all other states to follow.

Already, the Delhi Government has decided to promote 'Bed and Breakfast' establishments. The 'Incredible India' campaign of the Union Tourism Ministry has also endorsed this,'' he said.

The Directorate of Re-settlement also will promote the concept nationally, especially in states such as Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, which attract a lot of tourists, he said.

The Kerala initiative, launched only ten months ago, had so far resulted in the setting up of 103 homestays, offering 192 rooms, in different parts of the state.

Stating that ex-servicemen were ideally suited to run such establishments, Maj. Gen. Krishan said they offered a unique brand equity, which included the vast knowledge and discipline acquired by them during service besides credibility and safety and security for tourists.

He urged the homestay owners not to look for quick returns on their investments and instead focus on providing good facilities at reasonable prices. ''Start your innings by scoring ones and twos.

There is no need to start hitting sixers immediately. I am sure a steady innings would help you to score centuries,'' he quipped.

He also suggested that the homestays, being run by the ex-servicemen under the banner of Ex-Servicemen Tourism Development Organisation (EXTO), have uniform and standardised lay-out and facilities.

Earlier, in his presidential address, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S K Pillai, regretted that the bureaucratic and political establishment had failed to exploit the vast human resource potential offered by ex-servicemen.

Also present on the occasion were Brig. (Retd.) K John Kuruvilla, president, EXTO, Cmde Ranjan Seth of the Directorate of Resettlement and Mrs Thankamma, Regional Joint Director, Tourism, Kerala Government.

UNI