The Goa government has revised its Homestay Policy to better support local communities and promote rural tourism, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced on Monday.
Speaking to reporters during the Monsoon Session of the state assembly, Khaunte said the updated policy addresses critical financial and accessibility issues faced by rural households, especially women, who are central to the initiative.
“One of the biggest challenges was the reimbursement model, which required beneficiaries to spend from their own pockets first and claim the grant later,” Khaunte explained. “This created a major hurdle for many rural families, particularly women. We've now shifted to a direct grant model.”
Under the revised scheme, eligible applicants will receive a direct grant of ₹2 lakh to establish homestays. The policy applies to homes offering one to six lettable rooms within the owner’s residence and is specifically designed for rural regions of Goa. While registration is open statewide, financial incentives will be limited to non-coastal, non-urban areas to ensure a strong rural focus.
Khaunte emphasized that the scheme goes beyond tourism infrastructure. “It’s about empowering women, preserving Goa’s cultural identity, and giving rural communities a stake in tourism-driven development,” he said. Women in the household are expected to be the primary managers of these homestays, reinforcing the policy’s gender empowerment goals.
The application process for the revamped scheme will begin after the assembly session ends on August 8, Khaunte confirmed. In its first phase, 100 homestays will be selected for support.
To boost visibility and operational success, the tourism department also plans to strengthen its partnerships with platforms like Airbnb and MakeMyTrip to promote these rural accommodations.
“This is not just about increasing bed count—it’s about inclusive, sustainable, and community-led tourism,” Khaunte concluded.