Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Launches Dedicated Homestay Registration Portal
In a significant move to boost tourism and streamline administrative processes, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu officially launched a dedicated homestay registration portal on Tuesday. This innovative digital platform is designed to simplify and enhance tourism-related procedures across the state, marking a pivotal step in supporting the hospitality sector.
Portal Features and Accessibility
The newly introduced portal, accessible at http://homestay.hp.gov.in, offers homestay operators a convenient, transparent, and user-friendly system for registering and managing their applications entirely online. Emphasizing the state government's commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that this initiative allows operators to handle all necessary formalities from the comfort of their homes, eliminating unnecessary delays and complications.
Key Relief Measures for Operators
In a major relief to homestay owners, Sukhu directed the tourism department to ensure that renewal registrations are not delayed due to pending fire no-objection certificates (NOCs). He instructed that provisional renewal registrations be issued in such cases, enabling establishments to continue their operations smoothly without facing harassment or disruption. This proactive measure aims to foster a more supportive environment for tourism businesses.
Expanding Reach and Promoting Rural Tourism
Highlighting tourism as a crucial driver of self-employment and economic growth, Sukhu stated that the homestay scheme plays a vital role in promoting rural tourism and showcasing lesser-known destinations. To widen its impact, the government has expanded the scheme to urban areas, permitting the registration of homestays with up to six rooms. This expansion is expected to diversify tourism offerings and attract a broader range of visitors.
Enhancing Tourist Experiences and Local Benefits
Sukhu noted that homestays provide tourists with a distinctive and authentic experience by featuring traditional architecture, local culture, and regional cuisine. He emphasized that serving local dishes not only enhances the travel experience, particularly for foreign visitors, but also increases income opportunities for local families, thereby contributing to community development.
Interest Subsidy Scheme for Tourism Units
To further bolster the tourism sector, the state government has introduced an interest subsidy scheme for setting up, expanding, or upgrading tourism units. Under this initiative, interest subsidies are provided on term loans at rates of 3% in urban areas, 4% in rural areas, and 5% in tribal regions. This financial support is aimed at encouraging investment and growth in the hospitality industry across Himachal Pradesh.
