In Karnataka, only 40% of homestays are officially registered, leading to a surge in unregulated accommodations, particularly in the Western Ghats. This scenic region, popular for eco-tourism, has seen a rise in unregistered homestays, many of which operate without oversight, raising concerns about safety, legality, and environmental impact. Some influential individuals exploit the lack of regulation by running full-fledged resorts disguised as homestays to avoid stricter commercial property regulations. This unregulated growth poses risks such as revenue loss for the state, environmental degradation, and safety issues for tourists. The Karnataka government is under pressure to enforce stricter registration and inspection requirements to ensure that all homestays comply with state laws, protecting both the environment and visitors.
In Karnataka, only 40% of homestays are officially registered, leading to a surge in unregulated accommodations, particularly in the scenic Western Ghats. This picturesque region has seen a significant rise in homestays over the years, fuelled by the growing demand for eco-tourism and nature getaways. However, many of these properties are operating without proper oversight, raising concerns about safety, legality, and environmental protection.
Sources reveal that the lack of restrictions in the Western Ghats has encouraged the unchecked proliferation of homestays. In some cases, influential individuals have even taken advantage of the situation, established full-fledged resorts while labelled them as homestays to bypass more stringent regulations that apply to larger commercial properties. These resorts, often disguised as homestays, cater to tourists looking for luxury accommodations in the middle of nature but do not follow the guidelines laid out for authentic homestays.
This growing trend has raised alarms among tourism and government officials. Homestays, as per the state's regulations, are meant to provide tourists with a genuine local experience, often hosted by families in their homes. These registered properties are expected to follow certain standards related to safety, environmental impact, and hospitality. However, with more than half of the homestays operating under the radar, many are not adhering to these guidelines.
The lack of registration and regulation can have several implications. Unregistered homestays often escape taxes and other legal requirements, leading to revenue losses for the state. Moreover, the unchecked growth of these accommodations can lead to overcrowding in sensitive ecological zones, particularly in the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot. Environmental degradation and strain on local resources are growing concerns, as these unregulated properties are not monitored for their impact on the surroundings.
Safety is another pressing issue. Registered homestays are subject to inspections to ensure that they meet basic safety standards, including fire safety, hygiene, and guest security. Unregistered properties, however, do not undergo such checks, potentially putting guests at risk. Additionally, the lack of transparency in these operations makes it difficult for tourists to know what to expect, leading to dissatisfaction and even legal disputes.
The Karnataka government is now facing pressure to take action and bring these unregistered homestays into the fold. Tourism officials are calling for stricter enforcement of registration requirements and regular inspections to ensure compliance with state laws. Efforts are being made to raise awareness among property owners about the benefits of registration, including increased visibility, legal protection, and credibility with tourists.
While homestays remain a valuable part of Karnataka's tourism landscape, the balance between growth and regulation needs to be struck. Ensuring that all properties are registered and follow the proper guidelines will help protect the environment, ensure safety for visitors, and contribute to the state's economy. As the popularity of homestays continues to rise, addressing these issues is becoming increasingly important for the sustainable development of tourism in Karnataka.
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