Make My Trip has released a report on the growing popularity and increasing preference of alternative accommodations amongst Indian travellers. Titled ‘Where will India stay on their next trip’, the report reveals that more than 48% of the surveyed are most likely to book an alternative accommodation for their next trip. As per the findings, 55% of the surveyed switched from booking a hotel to an alternative accommodation property during their last trip. Amongst these about 46% had booked an alternative accommodation for the first time in their travel history.At the time, when more and more travellers are looking for affordable and pocket-friendly accommodations, Home Stays provide the best alternative accommodations. The Home Stays can be offered from an existing home, a renovated home or a building that has been specifically designed to provide overnight accommodation for the tourist at affordable cost. These are commercial homes and as such the owner or manager may live in the property.

Homestays, though still an unstructured segment in India, is beginning to make a dent in the tourism market as travellers opt for homely comfort on holidays. Homestays in India have become popular not just for being affordable but travellers and tourists also see these as a safer option than that of a hotel. The catch is home-made food, lower rates and the overall feeling of being at home. There can be (though by no means always is) a personal touch to Homestays that a hotel simply cannot replicate.

Homestays empower locals to become micro-entrepreneurs by capitalising on their way of life and room space that already exist at home. This allows local homeowners to find income opportunities in rural areas and new destinations with minimal or no investment. It also plays a central role in nurturing local communities and in making women financially independent. Homestays are on the rise. More hosts are offering their homes, guidance and companionship and more travellers choosing this accommodation option. It has emerged from the narrow category of lodging choice for students and exchange programs of universities, to the new coolest option of travelling for the experiential traveller. These provide the similar homely aura at an affordable rate and are also a great source of income for the natives with large vacant houses. India offers numerous serene cities and towns which are constantly explored and appreciated by foreign tourists. The numbers of tourists visiting our picturesque country swells up every year and this makes it a befitting location to start a Homestay business.

A Project Report is not only essential for obtaining financial assistance from Bank/ Financial Institution/Funding Agency but also the most important document either to participate in the development schemes of MSME Sector/ Department of Industries or in completing various time consuming government formalities connected with planning and commercial operation of the proposed business project.

This Detail Project Report (DPR)/ Business Plan has been developed in a well-structured PDF Format (Easy to Download, Convert into MS WORD through www.pdftoword.com, Edit for Personalised Customisation and Finally Printing the Report) to be presented as a Ready Project Proposal immediately thereby saving precious time of the promoter in the process of completing requisite formalities in anticipation of setting up the business project. Accordingly, following Project Templates has been deliberately left blank in order to facilitate customisation by the perspective entrepreneurs based on personal requirements and furnish necessary information on actual basis.

§ Project at a Glance                                     :             To be Filled Up as per Personal Requirements.

[Total Capital Expenditure, Working Capital, Estimated Cost of the Project, Amount of Bank Loan, Amount of Equity Capital and Amount of applicable Margin Money Subsidy – (Urban/Rural /General Category/ Special Category)].

§ General Information and Location          :             To be Furnished in the Blank Space.

[Name of the Unit/Firm, Address of the Proposed Project Location, Size of the Space Available and Occupancy under Ownership/Lease Agreement].

§ Promoter’s Background                            :             To be Furnished in the Blank Space.

[Name of the Promoter, Age, Communication Address, Educational Qualification, Work Experience and Special Training Attended, if Any].

This Project Report/ Business Plan covers all the important aspects of the Project containing Highlights of the Project, Introduction, The Project Proposal, Prospect for Investment, Potential Target Customers/Market, Marketing Strategy, Critical Success Factors, Process Details, Technical Aspects and Financial Aspects. The presentation also supplements with important facts and useful information covering the areas as indicated below;

LIST OF ANNEXURES

1.Statutory Permits and Business Licenses Required for Home Stay Business of 2 Pages

2.Common National Standards and Guidelines, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India of 14 Pages

3.National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays- an Initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India of 58 Pages and

4. An E-Book (Earn Extra Income from Home Stay Business) of 120 Pages.

The E-Book (Earn Extra Income from Home Stay Business) includes following Contents;

LIST OF CHAPTERS

CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER-2 CONCEPT OF HOMESTAY

CHAPTER-3 BENEFITS OF HOMESTAYS

CHAPTER-4 HOMESTAY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

CHAPTER-5 STEPS TO START OWN HOMESTAY BUSINESS

CHAPTER-6 SMART TIPS TO FOLLOW IN HOMESTAY BUSINESS

CHAPTER-7 LISTING HOMESTAY BUSINESS ON AIRBNB

CHAPTER-8 RISKS & CHALLENGES IN HOMESTAY BUSINESS

CHAPTER-9 HOMESTAY CLASSIFICATION SCHEME IN INDIA

CHAPTER-10 HOMESTAY REGISTRATION PROCEDURE IN INDIA

LIST OF ENCLOSURES

ENCLOSURE-1: HOMESTAY HOUSE MANUAL

·        HYGIENE AND CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

·        SAFETY AND SECURITY

·        CUSTOMER SERVICE

·        MAXIMISING SALES

·        MANAGING MONEY

·        LOW COST MARKETING

·        HOUSEKEEPING

·        FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE

·        COOKERY

ENCLOSURE-2: HOMESTAY CASE STUDIES OF LADAKH, UTTARAKHAND AND SIKKIM.