Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review and strengthen the implementation of the Homestay Policy of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, aimed at promoting community-based tourism and expanding accommodation capacity across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma; Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya; representatives from J&K Bank; and senior officials from the Tourism Department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to leverage digital platforms to boost the visibility and outreach of homestays across J&K. He directed the Tourism Department to enhance its presence on social media and develop a dedicated online portal offering real-time booking, detailed homestay information, and options for public feedback and ratings.
Highlighting the role of financial support in encouraging homestay entrepreneurship, Dulloo urged J&K Bank to design a special loan product for homestay owners—similar to housing loans but offered at competitive interest rates—to help local entrepreneurs upgrade and expand their facilities.
He also called for the revision of existing guidelines in line with the Government of India’s Homestay Policy, including the introduction of a transparent grading system for registered establishments to ensure quality standards and credibility.
Providing an overview of the current status, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma informed that around 2,500 homestays comprising over 18,500 rooms have been registered so far. He said the Department is simplifying registration procedures, updating user-friendly guidelines, and strengthening marketing initiatives to position homestays as a core part of J&K’s tourism experience.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, suggested integrating QR code–based payment options and visual content such as photos and videos into the booking platform to enhance user experience. He also stressed on transparent digital verification, streamlined documentation, and efficient monitoring to ensure accountability and ease of operation.
Appreciating the ongoing efforts, the Chief Secretary directed the Department to ensure time-bound implementation of all discussed measures. He noted that strengthening the homestay sector will not only diversify J&K’s accommodation landscape but also empower local communities, generate employment, and enhance the rural tourism value chain across the Union Territory.
