DEHRADUN – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday participated in the “Home Stay from Village to Global” dialogue, held under the Mukhya Sevak Samvad initiative at Mukhya Sevak Sadan, the official residence of the Chief Minister. The event brought together homestay operators from across Uttarakhand to share suggestions and insights aimed at strengthening the state’s homestay ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami highlighted the state government’s commitment to expanding homestay initiatives, which are becoming a key source of livelihood in rural areas. “Homestays are not just accommodation; they are cultural experiences,” he said. “Tourists visiting Uttarakhand get a glimpse of our rich traditions, cuisine, attire, and warm hospitality through these homestays.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the essence of Uttarakhand lies in its villages, where nature, heritage, and tradition come together beautifully. He credited the Homestay Scheme for transforming the rural economy and generating self-employment opportunities, with over 5,000 families now actively participating and opening their homes to tourists. He praised homestay operators as true brand ambassadors of the state.
Highlighting further initiatives, CM Dhami spoke about the promotion of traditional cuisine and cultural heritage through homestays. “We aim to take our village identity to the global stage,” he asserted. He also mentioned complementary schemes like One District, Two Products, House of Himalayas branding, and the State Millet Mission, all of which aim to boost the local economy and enhance the recognition of local products on national and international platforms.
Tourism, including religious, adventure, eco-tourism, wellness, agro, and film tourism, was cited as a strong economic pillar. Under the Manaskhand Corridor Scheme, religious sites in the Kumaon region are being developed, while Rishikesh and Haridwar are being globally promoted as hubs of yoga and spirituality. CM Dhami also noted Uttarakhand’s achievement in receiving the “Most Film Friendly State” award and the selection of villages like Jakhol, Harshil, Gunji, and Soupi as Best Tourism Villages by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Empowering Rural Tourism
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said the dialogue represents a significant step toward giving global recognition to the spirit of rural Uttarakhand. “This is more than a discussion – it’s the beginning of a rural tourism revolution,” he said, adding that both Prime Minister Modi’s vision and CM Dhami’s development roadmap provide strong support for this transformation.
He further informed that 317 homestay operators received financial and management training in 2024–25, and this initiative will be extended to all districts in 2025–26. A coordinated State Task Force has been formed, comprising the Tourism, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Health Departments, to ensure integrated efforts.
Voices from the Ground: Suggestions from Homestay Operators
Namrata Kandwal (Pauri) suggested that homestay registrations be facilitated at the block level and that students from schools and colleges be included in homestay tours.
Deepak Bisht (Mukteshwar, Nainital) called for simplification of the registration process and better access to bank loans for homestay operators.
Narendra Singh Bisht (Chamoli) stressed the need for improved road connectivity to homestays and better waste and plastic disposal management.
Vicky Rawat (Lansdowne) advocated for sustainable architecture and locally designed homestay models, suggesting that homestay maps be distributed by the tourism department. He also emphasized the importance of safety standards.
Akhil Pant (Uttarkashi) recommended awareness campaigns and village-level workshops, suggesting that training sessions be held in actual homestay settings.
The event was also attended by Cabinet Ministers Ganesh Joshi and Satpal Maharaj, MLA Dr. Pramod Nainwal, Secretary Sachin Kurve, and several senior officials.
