Kerala Homestay  License & Classification Scheme

 What is Homestay Classification Scheme and How?

 The Homestays Classification Scheme refers to the practice of providing accommodation or food and accommodation facilities to tourists visiting Kerala by the owners of private homes. To become a homestay provider, a resident of Kerala must have a minimum of one room (with two beds) and a maximum of six rooms (with twelve beds) available for tourist accommodation and submit an application to the Department of Tourism's Director.

Homestays offer tourists an opportunity to experience local culture, lifestyles, social systems, and people. It is a popular accommodation system and economic activity in the tourism industry. As the name implies, homestays involve staying in a "home" with a family, allowing tourists to mingle with local people, culture, lifestyles, and ideas. Homestays are a form of private home accommodation run like a small business by the homeowner, promoting cultural and natural tourism in a sustainable way.

 Cultural diversity is a crucial component of homestays, making them appealing to visitors. Homestay accommodation is beneficial for tourism development in rural, ecotourism, and cultural tourism. It provides the local community members with opportunities for active participation in tourism activities while meeting the accommodation needs of tourists. 

Guidelines for the Classification and Reclassification of Homestay Units

The Homestay Classification will only be issued in the name of the owner of the house.

 Operational accommodation units will only be considered for classification.

 Homestay classification will not be granted to leased or rented houses.

 Tourist accommodation will only be provided in a maximum of six rooms.

 Homestay classification will only be given to units where the owner and their family are physically present.

 An application for classification must be submitted to the District Officers of the Department of Tourism.

 An application fee of Rs. 3000/- must be paid to the Department of Tourism and submitted along with the application.

 An Inspection Committee will assess the facilities based on a checklist, and the classification will be awarded based on their recommendations.

 The Director of the Department of Tourism will issue the Classification/Reclassification Certificate for the units.

 The Classification/Reclassification will be valid for a period of three years.

 Requests for a change to a higher category will only be considered at the time of reclassification.

 The existing classification will remain valid until reclassification, provided an application for reclassification is submitted with the required fees three months before the expiry of the existing classification.

 The facilities and services provided will be evaluated against the checklist, and the classification units must maintain the required standards at all times.

 The Director of the Department of Tourism or a deputed officer has the right to inspect homestays at any time without prior notice.

 If serious deficiencies are found, the Department of Tourism may take action, including the cancellation of classification.

 Any changes in the facility or services provided by the unit must be reported to the Deputy Director of the District Office of the Department of Tourism within 30 days.

 If a unit disagrees with the remarks of the Classification/Reclassification Committee, they may appeal to the Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala within 30 days of receiving communication regarding classification/reclassification.

 The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala reserves the right to modify the guidelines, terms and conditions as needed.

 Homestays must display the Classification Certificate visibly to their guests.

 An application for reclassification must be submitted three months before the expiry date, along with the prescribed fees; otherwise, it will be considered a fresh application.

 Food must be prepared and provided to guests upon request.

 Proper and accurate C Form submission is mandatory and must be maintained in records.

Q&A

 What are the steps to begin a homestay business in Kerala?

 How to start a homestay business in Kerala" is a commonly asked question by many.  A homestay business in Kerala requires you to follow certain guidelines and regulations set by the state government. Here are the steps to follow:

 Determine the location: Identify the location where you want to set up your homestay. Kerala has several tourist destinations, and you can choose a place that is in demand. Prepare the infrastructure: The homestay should have adequate space, amenities, and facilities to provide a comfortable stay for guests. It should also be aesthetically pleasing and reflect the local culture. Obtain necessary licenses: To operate a homestay, you need to obtain necessary licenses from the Kerala Tourism Department. You can either collect the application form for Homestay Registration from the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office / Tourism Directorate or Regional Office (Norka Building, 4th Floor, Thycaud. Phone 0471 2335571) Thiruvananthapuram or apply online.  Meet the requirements: Ensure that your homestay meets the minimum requirements set by the government. For instance, you need to have a minimum of two rooms for guests and provide basic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities.

 Promote your homestay: Once your homestay is registered, you can start promoting it through online and offline channels. You can list your homestay on popular travel websites, social media platforms, and local directories to attract tourists. In summary, to start a homestay business in Kerala, you need to obtain the necessary licenses, meet the minimum requirements, and promote your homestay through various channels. 

What is the potential income from running a homestay?  (How much can I earn from homestay? )

The potential earning from a homestay can vary greatly depending on several factors such as location, amenities, size, competition, marketing efforts, and seasonality. While some homestay owners may earn 50k-80k per month, others may earn more or less than that. It's essential to do market research and determine the average rates of similar homestays in your area before setting a price. Providing unique and high-quality amenities and services can help you attract more guests and increase your income. Additionally, creating a strong online presence and marketing your homestay through various channels, such as social media, travel websites, and word-of-mouth, can help you increase your occupancy and revenue. Ultimately, the earning potential of a homestay depends on various factors, and it's challenging to provide a precise estimate without considering specific details. 

Would homestay be a profitable venture as a business?"  (Is homestay a good business?)

 Whether homestay is a good business or not depends on various factors, such as location, market demand, competition, and the quality of the homestay experience offered. If the homestay is located in a popular tourist destination with high demand for accommodations, and the homestay offers a unique and memorable experience to guests, then it can be a profitable business. However, if there is stiff competition from other homestays and hotels, or if the homestay is located in a less popular tourist destination with low demand, it may not be as profitable. It is also important to consider the costs involved in running a homestay, such as maintaining the property, providing amenities, and marketing the business. While the maintenance charges may be low, there may be other costs that need to be considered. Overall, the success of a homestay business depends on various factors, and it is important to do thorough research and planning before starting such a business. 

How to classify homestay in Kerala?  

To classify a homestay in Kerala, you would need to follow the government's certification process, which involves the following steps:

 Check if your homestay meets the minimum requirements for classification, such as having basic facilities like clean bedding, sanitation, and safety measures.  Apply for certification through the Kerala Tourism Department or a registered Homestay association.  A team from the Tourism Department will visit your property and evaluate it based on a set of predefined score criteria.  The evaluation team will assign a score to your homestay, which will determine its classification as either Class A (Diamond House), Class B (Gold House), or Class C (Silver House).  Once your homestay is classified, you will be issued a certificate by the Tourism Department, which you can display on your property to indicate its classification.  It's important to note that the classification is valid for three years and will need to be renewed after that period.