Procedures being drafted to maintain uniformity in homestays

By Gyanu Pangeni,Madhyabindu, Jan. 31: Homestay operators from across the country have gathered in Kawasoti, Nawalpur, with the aim of maintaining uniformity in homestays.

The Homestay Federation of Nepal is organising a programme at Amaltari Homestay in Kawasoti to discuss and collect suggestions on the draft working procedures.

Prem Shankar Mardaniya Tharu, President of the Homestay Federation of Nepal, said that a programme has been scheduled to discuss the draft homestay operation and management procedures clause by clause on Friday, collect suggestions, and pass it at the general meeting on Saturday.

On the first day, suggestions will be collected and discussed in groups from all seven provinces, Mardaniya informed. “The main objective of this programme is to maintain uniformity among homestays across the country.”

“We will collect suggestions and prepare a draft on how to ensure that the essence of homestays is preserved, and how to make the food, rooms, accommodation, and overall living experience in homestays across the country both quality-oriented and professional,” Mardaniya said.

He further added, “It is important to make everyone understand that hotels and homestays are different. For this reason, we have held discussions to revise the draft. This will also provide guidance to the government.”

Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, said that homestays are a business centered on hospitality and have their own identity and significance.

He added that since homestays are linked to tourism, they are becoming an important part of Nepal’s global identity. He emphasised that homestay operators should focus on preserving the unique identity of homestays, promoting Nepal’s tourism, and providing unique experiences and organic products.

Suraj Bastola, Treasurer of the Homestay Federation of Nepal, said that the federation’s national working procedures, developed in 2010 (2067 BS), have become outdated after federalisation, and there is now a need to develop new procedures.

He explained that a three-member expert committee has been formed to formulate the working procedure, and meetings and discussions have been held at various stages. The draft will be finalised and submitted to all seven provinces through this programme.

Bastola added that while some provinces have prepared their own procedures or regulations related to homestay operations, there is no uniformity across the country. Hence, initiatives have been taken to allow homestay operators to formulate and implement a standard set of rules.

He said the plan is to present the draft to all seven provinces to create a minimum common understanding.

Two hundred homestay entrepreneurs from across the country are participating in the programme. On the first day, the draft was discussed at the provincial level and suggestions were collected, while on the second day, Saturday, there will be a general meeting. The programme will conclude with the passing of the draft.