Growth of Homestay and Its Impact on Economy: A Study on Darjeeling District

This paper has been published in Peer-reviewed International Journal "Remarking An Analisation"               

URL : http://socialresearchfoundation.com/new/publish-journal.php?editID=9249

Publisher : Social Research Foundation, Kanpur (SRF International)                 

Abstract : Today, homestays have become a critical part of tourism in many countries  and even an important local tourist attraction. Popularly known as the homestays, such home sharing arrangements between the resident-host has not only accorded newer dimensions to the sharing economy but it also heralded a new facet of the socio-cultural engagements among the visitors.  The homestays are also positioned to provide tourists with a sense of feeling at home, interaction with the host family, first-hand relationship with locals, the experience of the local culture and low-cost accommodation. Homestays are becoming increasingly popular owing to their potential to provide either direct/alternative income to local communities, support local empowerment, tackle poverty, and attract eco-tourists by showcasing local culture and natural heritage. The homestay programme has evolved as an instrument for employment generation and economic development of a local community. Economic empowerment is important because it enables the host residents to be rewarded with a significant proportion of the financial benefits from tourism. Local  communities  generate  income  directly  and indirectly  through homestay programmes, which also empowers them by providing  local  employment,  poverty  alleviation, attracting  tourists  and enriching  the  experience  of  tourists  by  showcasing the natural  and cultural heritage  of  the  destination. It provides employment opportunities for the local populace and uplifts their standard of living. Through this research paper, the growth of homestays would be highlighted especially in the North Bengal region explaining such conditions.