Bhubaneswar: As travellers increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences beyond conventional hotels, the Odisha government is aggressively promoting curated homestays to fill accommodation gaps in emerging tourist destinations while generating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
A year after notifying the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025, the Tourism Department has identified 61 gram panchayats across 19 districts, clustered into 19 tourism-focused zones lacking quality stays. These clusters target areas with high potential but limited infrastructure.
In the Koraput cluster, authorities have selected Kotia, Lankaput, and Guneipada panchayats, encompassing attractions like Deomali (Odisha’s highest peak), Kechela, and Duduma waterfalls. The department has set a target of 60 homestays here. In Kandhamal, a key hill station hub, Daringbadi, Greenbadi, Sraniketa, Siangabadi, and Pliheri panchayats aim for 50 homestays around the popular Daringbadi destination.
Overall, the first cycle targets 380 homestays statewide. Applications are now open from individuals and rural entrepreneurs.
Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh noted an encouraging response. “After a month, applications will be shortlisted and if the number exceeds the target, a lottery system will be used to select beneficiaries,” he told TOI.
Financial and Non-Financial Support
Selected homestays will receive up to 50% of fixed capital investment as incentive, capped at ₹2.5 lakh per room for a maximum of four rooms—totalling up to ₹10 lakh per unit. This marks a shift from earlier informal bed-and-breakfast operations toward professionally curated experiences.
“Earlier, many homestays operated like absentee-owned guesthouses. We now want properties that reflect local aesthetics, where hosts personally engage guests with authentic cuisine, culture, and traditions,” Singh was quoted as saying.
Existing homestay owners will benefit from non-financial support, including capacity building, training, branding, and marketing. Properties will gain visibility on the official Odisha Tourism website and the new Go-Homestay portal, plus opportunities to participate in national tourism events. Homestays may also receive Gold or Silver classification.
Go-Homestay Portal and Broader Impact
The state launched the Go-Homestay portal in March 2026, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, for seamless application, registration, management, and promotion. It aims to ensure transparency and empower rural households, women, and local entrepreneurs.
Social media reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook highlight enthusiasm for the scheme’s potential in places like Koraput, with users praising opportunities for village tourism, authentic Odia hospitality, and economic benefits in tribal and remote areas. Some travellers have called for better integration with existing eco-tourism booking platforms.
The initiative aligns with national efforts like Mudra loans for homestays and complements Odisha’s focus on community-based and eco-tourism. By turning homes into cultural gateways, the government hopes to create jobs, preserve traditions, and position Odisha as a preferred destination for experiential travel.
Interested applicants can visit the Go-Homestay portal or Odisha Tourism Department resources for guidelines and to apply.
