Homestay Tourism in Indian Himalayas

Abstract

In the growing concerns of overcrowding and overtourism at urban destinations, homestays in the hills of India have been a favoured choice for those seeking to experience nature, tranquillity, and authenticity. The popularity of this trend surged during and post-coronavirus manifold, positioning it as a great tool for community engagement and sustainable tourism. Despite its potential and myriad opportunities for the locals, several challenges prevail which are needed to improve the longevity of the phenomenon. The investigation of the challenges in the context of the Indian Himalayas is scarce, especially after the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the present study tracks the progress of homestay research in the context of the Indian Himalayas and also examines the impediments faced by the participants (i.e., the homestay operators). Various challenges in the way of homestay participants entail short stays, dominance of established circuits, absence of promotion, connectivity, accessibility, and seaosnality.