In a bid to enhance rural tourism, the Gandaki Province government has provided grants to 33 community homestays under the “One Electoral Area, One Model Homestay” program. These homestays, spread across various scenic locations, have received government funding aimed at fostering local tourism development.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment, the selected homestays underwent a rigorous selection process based on predefined criteria. Damar Jisil, Chief of the Tourism Section, revealed that 89 community homestays from Myagdi, Mustang, and Manang had submitted funding proposals. Eventually, 30 homestays were awarded grants of NPR 1.2 million each, while 3 others received NPR 1 million each.
Jisil further explained that the funded homestays have successfully implemented their programs. They have utilized the funds for infrastructure improvements and operational enhancements to attract tourists. This year, the Ministry has strictly monitored the use of funds allocated for homestays, following allegations of mismanagement in previous years.
Under the “One Electoral Area, One Model Homestay” initiative, only one homestay per electoral area is selected based on local assessments and criteria fulfillment. The Ministry emphasized that only homestays meeting all standards and operational criteria are included in the program.
Damar Jisil, head of the Tourism Section, highlighted the importance of these homestays in promoting rural tourism, generating employment, and preserving local culture. The allocated funds have been utilized for constructing new infrastructure such as community centers, libraries, cultural museums, parks, and hiking trails, all aimed at enhancing the tourist experience.
Community homestays are becoming focal points for rural development, family environments, local cuisine, and cultural attractions, attracting tourists to places like Syangja’s Sirubari, Lamjung’s Ghalegaun, Bhujung, and Kaulapani, Ghandruk in Kaski, Lwang and Dhampus, Chitre in Parbat, Baglung’s Bhakunde, and Torikhola, and Amaltari in Nawalpur.
The Gandaki Province’s homestay business sector is emerging as a fast-growing area. This initiative aims to set new rules for building prior infrastructure on private land using the budget. There has been a discussion regarding the use of the budget from last year.
