Influence of Homestays in the Economy of Uttarakhand Case Study of Kumauon Region Homestays

Abstract

One of the most significant industries for the future has emerged: tourism. The multiplier benefits of tourism are substantial when it comes to creating jobs, generating revenue, building tourism infrastructure, conserving irreplaceable cultural assets, and developing new tourist destinations. Uttarakhand is still one of the top tourist destinations, and the state has enormous potential for growth in tourism in the future. Additionally, tourism is a socio-economic activity that deals mostly with people traveling for various reasons in order to achieve a variety of goals. It encompasses a wide range of services. The state of Uttarakhand has several ecotourism destinations that draw in environment enthusiasts, such as national parks and animal sanctuaries. Despite being a relatively new concept, home-stay tourism is gaining popularity and piquing the curiosity of academics and facilitators alike. Although the practice of letting visitors stay in someone's home is commonly referred to as "Airbnb," it is frequently discovered that home owners must do significant "re-dos" and "restructurings" to their properties in order to make them appropriate for tourists. The benefits, drawbacks, opportunities, and risks of increasing homestays will all be considered in this study. The growth of homestays was hindered by a number of factors, including shifting tourist expectations on cleanliness, unstable economies, and local governments' reliance on outside funding. The community need funding in addition to the ability to accommodate visitors. In light of this, the current article’s goal is to look at how widespread homestay tourism and how its effect the economy is in the kumauon region of the Indian State of Uttarakhand. Since they give visitors a genuine, immersive experience and stimulate economic growth in the areas they are visiting, homestays have become a major factor in the expansion of the tourism industry. This study investigates how homestays affect Uttarakhand's economy, concentrating on the Kumaon area. We investigate how homestays propel economic growth, encourage community empowerment, and improve the region's overall tourism experience using a case study methodology. We examine the financial benefits, difficulties, and potential connected with homestay tourism in Uttarakhand using both qualitative and quantitative data gathered from guesthouse owners, visitors, and local stakeholders. Our research addresses concerns including environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and legal frameworks while highlighting the revolutionary effect of homestays on rural livelihoods, revenue creation, and infrastructure development. This study intends to educate policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities about the possible advantages and difficulties of promoting homestay tourism as a sustainable approach to destination development in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region by providing insights into the intricate dynamics of homestay tourism.