In a pioneering move, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has launched an online booking portal, www.uttarastays.com, for booking homestays across the hill state. This initiative marks the first of its kind by any state tourism department, offering a state-sponsored platform for homestay bookings.
Features of the Portal
- Extensive Listings: Close to 5,000 homestays in Uttarakhand will be available for online booking.
- Seamless Integration: Homestay owners can easily integrate their properties by providing essential information and signing an agreement. Notably, there are no integration charges, platform fees, or revenue-sharing requirements.
- User Ratings: Guests can rate their stay experiences, providing real-time feedback for homestay owners to enhance their services.
Benefits for Homestay Owners
UTDB’s initiative supports local homestay owners by providing a no-cost online platform for booking management. This effort aligns with the department’s commitment to promoting the local economy through tourism-related activities.
Government Support to homestays
Under the Deendayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme, the government is offering subsidies for developing homestays. Additionally, homestay owners receive training in various skills to improve their customer service. This three-pronged strategy—financial support, skill training, and marketing through an online portal—is designed to establish a robust homestay network in Uttarakhand.
The UTDB plans to link homestays with local wellness centers, allowing tourists to benefit from services such as Yoga, Naturopathy, Panch Karma, and Ayurvedic massages. This integration aims to enhance the overall tourist experience in Uttarakhand.
Official Statements
Shri Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism/CEO, UTDB, emphasized that the comprehensive strategy involving government support, training, and marketing through the portal will be a milestone in establishing a strong homestay network in the state. He invited all homestay owners to register their properties on the new platform.
UTDB’s launch of www.uttarastays.com is a significant step towards promoting tourism and supporting local homestay owners in Uttarakhand. This initiative not only simplifies the booking process for tourists but also empowers homestay owners by providing them with essential tools and resources to enhance their services and reach a broader audience.
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