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Potential of Homestays as Tourism Product in Sikkim

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36 Challenges & Strategic Interventions For Tourism The Indian Experience

4
Potential of Homestays as Tourism
Product in Sikkim
Charu Sheela Yadav, Pawan Gupta, Rinzing Lama

Introduction
As in times past, one of the strongest motivation for travel today is interest in the natural
environment and in heritage, arts, history, language, customs and cultures of people in other
lands. The opportunity to observe how others live, think and interact with their environment
exerts a powerful attraction. Travellers may seek to experience examples of a locale’s arts,
music, painting, sculpture, architecture, celebrations and festivals, or the cultural attraction may
be food, drink, entertainment or some other form of hospitality. (Edgell, Allen, Smith &
Swanson)
Travelling has always been to seek new experiences. The new form of technologies and
urbanisation has changed the lifestyle of people tremendously. A large chunk of population is
moving to metropolitans and urban areas for better job opportunities and also good living
standards provided. The urban lifestyle provides very little opportunity to relax in serene
environments. This urges the people to take holidays and move to quiet and serene areas. The
discretionary income, discretionary time, status and prestige, reduced family sizes are some of
the factors which has added to the growth of tourism.
New forms of tourism like cultural tourism, eco tourism, nature based tourism, agri tourism,
village/ rural tourism, volunteer tourism suggest the growing demand of tourism where it brings
a tourist close to natural environment and host community.
Concept of Homestays
Home Stay refers to a visit to somebody’s home in a foreign country which allows visitors to
rent a room from a local family in order to learn local culture, lifestyle, or language. It is a living
arrangement offered by a host or host family that involves staying in their furnished house. The
guest of a home stay would be staying in home-like accommodation with shared living spaces,
Potential of Homestays as Tourism Product in Sikkim 37

facilities, and amenities. Utilities and meals are usually included and the length of stay could be
daily, weekly, monthly, or unlimited unless specified otherwise by the host (Rivers, 1998).
Apart from accommodation Home Stay offer a range of activities which give guests the unique
opportunity to experience the specific culture of the area. Activities will differ from home to
home and depending on the location. For instance activities at a home stay in Thailand can
range from giving morning alms to monks, learning how to weave silk or cotton cloth,
participating in agricultural activities, to going on nature tours, learn a skill practiced by local
villagers, such as making local handicrafts or cooking Thai food. In Japan one can learn doll-
making art.
In India many Homestays in Kerala offer backwater cruises in houseboats and trips down the
narrow canals in canoes. In Rajasthan some Homestays arrange safaris by jeep or horseback into
the countryside, to visit tribal villages and spot wildlife. In plantation and hill stations, hosts can
take guests trekking and arrange guided walks through spice gardens and forests. Depending on
the family, many hosts will offer to take guests round the sights of their town or village, sharing
local insights and an experience far removed from the usual tourist trudge.
Home stays aren’t just a base from which to spend a few days exploring the local area, they are
a holiday destination in themselves. Frederick (2003) also defined the homestay as a stay by a
tourists or a visiting foreign student who is hosted by a local family. Homestay can occur in any
destination worldwide; residents of homestay countries encourage homestays in order to
develop their tourism industry. Also homestays as a concept, brings people from varied
backgrounds under a single roof, quite literally, and offers an ideal platform for long lasting
friendships.
Homestays in India
India, since time immemorial has been in the priority list of all the globe trotters. India spans a
geographical region that stretches from mighty mountain ranges in the north to the Indian
Ocean in the south, from deserts in the west to deltas in the east. In India, many cultural, social,
religious and regional strands come together to make a truly unique tapestry. Each state is
unique in its cultural and natural formation. India has been known for its hospitality.
Indian tourism has taken a leap with the concept of homestays becoming the new mantra in the
hospitality scenario. This unique way of truly experiencing the pulse of the place is fast catching
up with not only tourists but also the hosts. The Indian adage ‘atithi devo bhava’ or ‘Guest is
God’ is truly lived up to by homestays in India where the guest is welcomed with delight to the
home. Indians consider it a huge honour to have guest in their home, and go out of their way to
please them. The visitors staying in homestays get to experience true Indian hospitality. A
tourist's visit to India can be made memorable with the Homestay Units offered to them. The
state tourism departments in India have introduced the concept of homestays. Kerala,
Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi, NCR, Goa, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Gujarat are
the states to have introduced the concept of homestays. Ministry of Tourism, Government of
38 Challenges & Strategic Interventions for Tourism

India initiative in this direction has been the 'Bed And Breakfast' Scheme. Under this scheme
comfortable home-like, clean and affordable accommodation facilities are provided to the
tourists. The scheme gives the foreign tourists an opportunity to experience the customs and
traditions and relish the authentic cuisine of India during their stay with an Indian family.
The Regional Classification Committee inspects and assesses the Bed and Breakfast
Establishments on the parameters of the services offered by them.
Karnataka tourism policy emphasizes on developing a network of home stays across the state
and brands it as 'Atithi'. The home stays will be minimally regulated and will be treated as a non-
commercial venture. They can be compared with the "Bed & Breakfast" of the western
countries.
Rajasthan tourism policy has Paying Guest Scheme. The scheme of paying guest launched by
Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan on World Tourism Day (27th September
1991) has been very popular with domestic and international tourists. This scheme is in
operation in nine cities of Rajasthan. Care had been taken to ensure that only such houses and
families are identified and registered with the Department of Tourism who will serve the
purpose and will offer adequate and suitable facilities to the tourist.
The Himachal Pradesh Government has also taken this innovative step by introducing Home
Stay Scheme thus providing comfortable homestay facilities of standardized world class services
to the tourists, and to supplement the availability of accommodation in the rural tourist
destinations. The basic idea is to provide a clean and affordable place for foreigners and
domestic tourists alike including an opportunity for foreign tourists to stay with Himachali
families to experience Himachali customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian/Himachali
cuisine.
Guidelines for Approval and Registration of Homestay Units in India
The State Tourism Departments in India follow more or less same guidelines for homestays in
their respective States. The guidelines are as follows:
1. Homestay Project shall be considered only if the owner of homestay facility resides in
the place of homestay facility.
2. The Number of rooms provided by the owner of Home Stay facility should be minimum
one room and should not exceed five rooms.
3. The room accommodation of minimum standard sizes with attached toilet facility,
reasonably furnished and ready for letting out to the tourists/guests as prescribed
under the scheme. For example under Home Stay Scheme of Himachal Pradesh
Government, the standard size for double and single bed room accommodation is 120
Sq.ft. and 100 Sq.ft. respectively and 30 Sq .ft.for bathroom / toilet.
4. The Home Stay Units being run by the families having ownership shall be treated as
non-commercial activities.
Potential of Homestays as Tourism Product in Sikkim 39

5. Registration and classification is compulsory to avail the facility under this project.
6. A Police Clearance certificate from Local Station House Officer shall to be submitted
along with the application.
7. Since the place of home stay units stands as a part of household and comes within
agricultural, plantation, natural and cultural area the position of home stay places
continues as it is. The house owners of home stay Project shall not alienate the land
other than the purpose for which it is being used at present.
8. At least one of the family members should be able to communicate in English.
9. The houses in areas of tourism importance will get priority.
10. Home Stay units must ensure the location, facilities, surrounding environment, hygiene,
cleanliness, security, architectural designs and safety of the tourist.
11. Any proprietor/owner of a private house located in an appropriate area of the State
(rural area in case of Himachal Pradesh) has to apply in the prescribed proforma
provided by the Department of Tourism, of respective States for approval/registration
of the Home Stay Unit.
12. The selection of the home-stays from among the applicants will be done by a committee
appointed by Government for the purpose, based on the following criteria;
 Location of the house
 Quality of house and surrounding areas in terms of facilities & hygiene for
offering to tourists.
 Access
 Educational and professional background of the applicant and family members.
 Tourist attraction of the area.
The committee for classification of Home stays units constituted by Government for the
purpose will visit the unit and if found satisfactory with the facilities recommend to
Department of Tourism for the classification of the unit. The order on classification will
be issued by Department of Tourism of respective States.
Tenets of Home Stay Units
The home stays are accommodations provide firsthand experience to the tourists. Following
principles are used in developing the homestays so that the overall experience of the tourist is
satisfactory and also the host community is benefited.
40 Challenges & Strategic Interventions for Tourism

Product Line of Homestays

The most important part of homestays is the accommodation and the amenities
provided. It varies from place to place throughout the globe because of the cultural and
physical uniqueness.
The important products offered by home stays have been discussed in general.
1. Accommodation: The homestays are in the houses of the locals. The houses are
built on the regional/local architecture of the area. All over India there are many
different types of homes, their various architectural styles are typical of the area
they are found in, the history of their owners and a range of social and religious
traditions. There are the Havelis of Northern India and the Tharavadu houses in
Kerala, the planters’ mansions on tea and spice plantations and the colonial
bungalows. The homestay and the rooms have furniture of local flavour. The
homestays may retain cowsheds, goathouse, herb garden, kitchen garden, honey
comb etc as attractions. Rooms are single, double and twin. The rooms have
attached private bathrooms with every room along with toiletries.
2. Cuisines: Meals form very integral part of stay in homestays. The local cuisine is
served to the guests. At times delicious organic food is picked fresh and cooked
straight from the garden and jungle. The food is eaten with the family.
3. Amenities: Apart from the accommodation, there are other features which are
required for a comfortable stay. This comes in the form of amenities like laundry
service, television in rooms/lobby, parking, wake-up call, mineral water, heating in
rooms (as per the weather conditions), babysitting or child care , complimentary
newspaper, non-Smoking , alcohol allowed .
4. Local Activities: Each area specialises in different activities because of the
geographical location as well as the socio-cultural milieu of each place is distinct.
The activities might also differ from day and night. Homestays give a real feeling of
local culture and also gets an opportunity to learn about all sorts of local customs
and traditions. Some of the local activities enjoyed are as follows:
 Lifestyle exploration through village walk
 Visiting ethnic groups
 Helping to milk the cow and churning, grinding corns, husking participating in
the daily or seasonal chores with family.
 Cultural shows
 Tradition massage
Potential of Homestays as Tourism Product in Sikkim 41

5. Sight Seeing: The homestays are located in the natural surroundings, places of historical
and cultural importance. Thus the scope of sight seeing is immense. The family
members of homestays or locals can prove good guides and provide good company.
 Village tour
 Camping, Boating, Campfire, Fishing,
 Walks and hikes to caves, lakes and waterfalls
 Visit to tea gardens/spices plantations/rubber plantations
 Elephant safari
 Plantation Visits
Methodology
The present study is based on the survey undertaken by direct interview. The fourteen owners
of homestays at Kewzing were interviewed. The study has been done by collecting data from
the government agencies, Kewzing Tourism Development Committee (KTDC) who are
associated with tourism development activities in Kewzing.
Case Study
Sikkim is a small mountainous State in the Eastern Himalayan region extending approximately
114 km from North to South and 64 km. From East to West, having a total geographical is 7096
sq.km . The state has four districts namely East, West, North and South, Nine sub-division and
eight towns. Sikkim is the 22nd state of India, spread below Mt. Kanchendzonga (8598 mt.), the
third highest mountain in the world. The State is bestowed with abundant natural resources.
Sikkim is diverse in culture and traditions. Three important communities living in Sikkim are the
Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalies. It is one of the most peaceful states in the country. There is a
strong sense of community living with distinct commitment in the people to serve the society.
Sikkim Himalayan Home stay
The Sikkim Himalayan Home stay is the UNESCO project for the development of Cultural
Tourism and Ecotourism in the Mountainous region of Central and South Asia. It is sponsored by
the Norwegian Government with the support of the Principality of Andorra. The Project aims to
promote cooperation between local communities, national and international NGOs and tour
agencies in order to involve local populations full in the employment opportunities and income
generating activities that tourism brings.
The goal of Sikkim Himalayan Home stays is to promote community based tourism while helping
local communities benefit fully from the economic opportunities of low-impact tourism. Also
the natural environment and cultural heritage of these can be protected for future generations
and tourism can develop to meet the needs of local communities.
Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) is a NGO working to accomplish a
mission of sustainability and conservation in the state of Sikkim. ECOSS works together with
42 Challenges & Strategic Interventions for Tourism

communities and UNESCO to help communities achieve the goals of Sikkim Himalayan
Homestays. To develop the homestay destinations, ECOSS has worked closely with the villagers
of the different destinations in building their skills and capacities for the sustainable tourism
activity. Each village has a tourism management committee, which overlooks the operations and
management of the tourism activities. These rural tourism destinations serve as model sites for
exposure visits. Groups are facilitated for learning the village tourism dynamics and operation
modalities. Under the volunteer and internship programme of ECOSS, national and overseas
candidates work in home stays to develop the skills and capacities of the local communities
UNESCO has selected nine places for Sikkim Himalayan Homestay project. They are:
1. Dzongu Home Stays
2. Kewzing Home Stays
3. Yuksom Home Stays
4. Pastanga Home Stays
5. Hee-Bermiok Home Stays
6. Lachen Home Stays
7. Assangthang Model Village
8. Kabi Home Stays and
9. Seven Hills Resort.
Kewzing is a small Bhutia (Buddhist) village in Sikkim’s Southern district with population of 200
people. It is a scenic village located 85 k.m. away from capital city Gangtok and 10 k.m. away
from Ravangla (a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South and West
Sikkim) in South Sikkim. It is home to some of the exotic birds, cardamom and tea plantations
with lush green forests and in the background is the view of the Kanchendzonga range. Kewzing
means the “Land of Wheat Field” and is also known as Sosing “Land of Chestnut Forest”. It is a
quiet hamlet of some thirty house rich in cardamom forest cover. At an altitude of 4600 ft. the
village is located against a backdrop of magnificent view of mountains that include Mt. Narsing
and Mt. Kabru. The atmosphere in the village is very serene and peaceful.
Kewzing is inhabited by Bhutia community. Bhutias are the people of Tibetan origin. They
migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim.
In Northen Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and
Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is bhutia sikkimese . Bhutia villages are as large
as compared to those of Lepchas. A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape.
The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type
garment with full sleeves. The males also wear Jya Jya (waist coat), Yenthatse (shirt), Kera (cloth
belt) and Shambo (cap). The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse
and a loose gown type garment. The other costumes worn by ladies are Hanju (loose blouse),
Kushen (jacket), Shambo (cap different in design than used by men), and Shabcha (shoe).
Pangden, the striped apron is a symbol of married Bhutia women.
Potential of Homestays as Tourism Product in Sikkim 43

The ladies are very fond of heavy jewellery made of pure gold. The jewellery items used by the
Bhutia women are known as Yencho (earring), Khao (necklace), Phiru (pearl ornament), Diu
(gold bangle), and Joko (ring).
Kewzing home stays offer an untouched wealth of nature and authentic Bhutia lifestyle. The
Kewzing Home stay is a community based initiative of Kewzing Tourism Development
Committee (KTDC) a local NGO established in 2002, formed by the people of Kewzing to develop
and promote responsible tourism in the area. KTDC was established for proper maintenance
and allotment of guests to the home stays. In an effort to allow equal distribution of guests and
funds to all home stays in Kewzing, KTDC allots each new guest to different home stays. The
committee has members on a voluntary basis, with each member having their own set of
responsibilities. KTDC home stay project is supported by the Sikkim Development Foundation
(SDF), ECOSS and UNESCO.
Total 14 Bhutia family are involved in home stay in Kewzing. The family size in a Bhutia
community is of 4-5 members. The educational qualification is secondary and senior secondary.
They are employed and nature of occupation is government job, farming and cardamom
plantation.
Approximately 80-120 tourists visit Kewzing yearly. The tourists are from India and outside
India. Foreign tourists are from Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom and U.S.A.
The communities got encouragement to start Homestays with small financial assistance from
SDF. The individual investment was also made by the communities and KTDC supported each
member of the community to modify their houses with basic amenities. The members of the
community were given a comprehensive training on hospitality, guest handling and preparing
traditional cuisines.
Marketing and promotion of the Homestays at Kewzing is taken care by KTDC and Department
of Tourism, Government of Sikkim. Also there is tie with Mahindra Homestays for marketing and
promotion. They work with a third party operating in Sikkim to affiliate these homes. All
bookings made through Mahindra Homestays for Kewzing is channelled through the third party.
Mahindra Homestays as an organisation also keeps a close check on the home stays' standards,
including comfort, cleanliness, safety and originality. All the host families of the home stays
have had direct interaction with the Mahindra Homestays representatives before they are
recommended. There are regular and mystery audits to ensure the quality of home stays in
addition to providing training to the home stay owners. This venture with Mahindra Homestays'
helps these home stays in earning an additional income across the community and also
promotes rural tourism helping the locals in preserving their local arts and crafts besides leaving
minimum carbon footprints.
The homestays thus get their bookings not only through travel agencies based in Gangtok but
also through KTDC and Mahindra holidays.
44 Challenges & Strategic Interventions for Tourism

The benefits flowing to local community from home stays are immense. It gives an additional
income to the community other than the regular income. The homes that are unable to directly
serve as home stays are also given the chance to supplement their income by acting as guides
for tourists or packing meals for travellers. There is a revenue mechanism which is followed. The
room rate of the homestay is fixed Rs 1,500 per night. This tariff is same for the domestic and
foreign tourists. 20% of the tariff goes as the agency’s margin. 10% is towards the maintenance
and development of the Gompa and 10% is towards the KTDC fund. The maximum booking is
made through travel agents.
The tourists mostly visit during October to December months. The tourists come either single or
in pair. The duration of stay of tourists in the homestay is one night.The number of foreign
tourists outnumbers the domestic tourists. The foreign tourists come from Switzerland,
Germany, United Kingdom and U.S.A.
The homestays in Kewzing offer one room to the tourists. It can be used as single or double
room as per the requirement. The accommodation is simple, neat and comfortable. Wholesome
local food is served from the family kitchen. The facilities provided to guests in homestays
include:
 Guests are received in the village’s monastery by the head Lama. The homestay family
welcomes the tourists by garlanding and tilak. Khada (scarf) is offered. Welcome drink
and traditional dance are also part of the warm welcome
 Authentic Sikkim’s meal
 Homemade millet-based drinks
 Organic vegetables are grown and served
 Most families are multilingual and speak English, Hindi and other regional languages
 European-style W/Cs are available in most homes they are rarely en-suite
 Impeccably maintained rooms and high standards of cleanliness
 Hot and cold running water
 Homestay allows consumption of Non Veg Meals and alcohol
Activities tourists can keep themselves engaged and witness rural life in Kewzing.
 Tourists can participate in the daily or seasonal chores of the family
 Spend time relaxing in the village and interacting with villagers and host family
 Village hike and short treks or sightseeing/excursion tours to monasteries at Ralang,
Timi Tea Garden, Tibetan Carpet Centre, Rayon Sunrise Point, Maenam Wildlife
Sanctuary with local guides
 Picking organic vegetables
 Picnic to the Rangeet Water World
 In winters hot-stone herbal bath arranged by host family
 Farming, milking cows, cooking, basket weaving, cultural shows etc.
 Traditional games and sports like kaudi, chungi, bagh ghar etc
Potential of Homestays as Tourism Product in Sikkim 45

 Volunteer to teach in school

 Photography
 Learn local language
Results and Discussion
The homestay project has undoubtedly brought new life to Kewzing. They realise that a tourist
is coming to their village for the invaluable resources possessed by the community. It gives the
host community happiness and thus encourages the community to conserve its biodiversity and
their culture and tradition. Homestays have empowered the local communities as new job
opportunities are created. The females can contribute to the family income as they are the ones
who maintain the homestays. Youth have the opportunity to act as guides to the tourists.
Kewzing has found its place in the hearts of tourists. Tourists enjoy the warm welcome received
by the locals. They enjoy the village life.
There are various challenges of running homestays in Kewzing. From the point of view of
tourists the major problem faced by them is the hygienic conditions of the homestays especially
toilets are not satisfactory. Language becomes a barrier when it comes to communicate with
the family members and villagers. It becomes all the more difficult for non-English speaking
tourists. Local cuisines are served in the homestays which at times is not preferred by the
guests. The homestays are offered to the tourists according to the rotation system developed by
KTDC. They are not satisfied with the rotation system followed by KTDC as they do not get the
house of their choice. Medical facilities are lacking and also there is no one in the family or
village equipped to deal with any medical emergency. The communication network is good but
lack of internet facility definitely makes the tourist unhappy.
The host community find that the tourists are coming from different cultural
backgrounds so at times they fail to respect the local traditions and customs. They fear that in
times to come people may get materialistic in their approach as they find that they are being
benefitted by the tourists. They may be just perceived as object. The young population tries to
copy the foreigners which may in times to come change the lifestyle of local community and
hence it may be a threat the sustainability of culture. There is no sufficient formal training
imparted to the family members of homestays. This effects their proper management of
tourists.
Home stays have no doubt provided valuable and rich experience to the tourists as well
as to the home stay owners. Tourists enjoy the natural and cultural resources in the company of
family members and thus a unique stay experience. Home stay owners get to know a world
outside their miniscule world through tourists and also get an additional income and recognition
from the tourists. The Kewzing is a small village in Sikkim which has very well adopted the
homestay scheme. There are few problems which can be overcome. The Capacity Building
Programmes can be organised for the family members of homestay which shall help them in
developing soft skills and technical skills. Young population can be encouraged to learn foreign
 46 Challenges & Strategic Interventions for Tourism

languages which shall open their horizon to non English speaking tourists as well. Exclusive
marketing of homestays is required. The educational programmes for the tourists can help them
have a better understanding of the host population and this might also result in increasing their
stay.
Homestays in a way is a step towards empowering the community and thus utilising
their resources optimally and also taking care of their resources. The authenticity of the
community can be sustained.
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