Homestay operators offer discount to tourists

KOCHI: The city is in the  grip of people keen on making fast buck out of the homestay culture which is taking roots in the state in a fast pace. Though it may appear rosy from  outside, the reality is different. Homestay is a practice wherein a native provides a portion of his house on rent to meet the staying and food needs of tourists.With the season coming to an end, homestay providers are begining to feel the pinch. “All homestays have started offering services at discount rates to keep their business running.  The discount offered by each operator varies,” says Christopher Walton of Walton Homestays.Normally rates are cut by as much as 50 percent. Christopher has put nine rooms of his house on rent. Out these, only one to two rooms were occupied these days, he said.It is tough to run the show during dull seasons. Christopher retains at least three staff members even during off-season.  “We do not lay off the staff during off-season, as it is not a good practice,” he said.Moreover, there are a lot of new entrants in the sector. Tourists manage to get accommodation and food at cheaper rate. This has further impacted those operating in the sector. The off-season will last till July.   “We are eagerly looking forward to the Onam season when there will be fairly good inflow of tourists from France to witness the boat race,” he said.Fort Kochi Homestay Association president Santosh Tom said the  cost of electricity, water and other taxes were adding  to the woes of homestay  operators. The bigger ones would be able to take on the crisis. But it is a sad story for those who are in the business with two or three rooms.  There are about 150 members in the association who meet regularly to discuss their problems. The meeting is due to meet soon to discuss important issues facing the operators, he said. A concept about which the Malayalee was doubtful  has become very popular in the tourism zones of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and other areas.  Homestay operators help the government in promoting tourism by solving the problem of offering accommodation and food to the visiting tourists.