If you’re planning to visit Karnataka, you can be assured that your stay will be safe. The state has strengthened safety rules for homestays along with bed & breakfast stays. This move comes after serious concerns were raised following a recent assault incident in the Coorg. Scroll down to know!
Karnataka Strengthens Safety Rules For Homestays
The Karnataka Tourism Department, along with other government departments, has reviewed and tightened security rules for all homestay properties. Why? According to Hindustan Times, officials said the aim is to make tourist stays safer, especially for foreign visitors.
One of the key new rules makes it compulsory for homestays and bed & breakfast stays to display their registration certificate and license at the reception or main entrance. This step is meant to ensure that guests can clearly identify registered and legal accommodations.
Authorities have also advised tourists, travel agents, tour operators, and online travel platforms to book only with registered service providers. The department will now put an official list of approved homestays and B&Bs on its website for public reference.
Also Read: 2.7 Billion-Year-Old Yana Caves In Karnataka Declared Geo-Heritage Site Of National Importanance
What Happened With Tourist In Coorg
A disturbing incident happened in Karnataka. As per Hindustan Times, a US tourist was allegedly sexually assaulted at a homestay in Kutta, Coorg. The staff member involved, originally from Jharkhand and working in the hospitality section, has been arrested. The homestay owner was also arrested for not informing the police after the complaint was raised.
Under the new rules, all accommodation units must display emergency contact numbers and helpline details at places where it is visible. The government has also made police verification of all staff mandatory before employment. Also, staff records and credentials must be properly maintained and shown to the police during inspections.
The department has instructed homestays to display QR codes that link to the Karnataka State Police SOS App. Staff members will also be trained to guide guests on how to use the app during emergencies.
Also, there should be a detailed records of foreign guests staying. Moreover, the geographic location of all registered homestays will be mapped under the Karnataka Smart E-Beat System. Local police stations will also maintain beat registers for these properties.
Beat constables will be required to regularly visit homestays, verify guest logs, and record their inspections through GPS tracking using the official system.
We hope these measures will make stays in Karnataka safer!
Also Read: What Are Karnatakas New Trekking Rules? Why Are Guide & Walkie-Talkie Now Compulsory?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Dian H (Representative Image)
FAQs
What happened with US tourist in Karnataka?
A US tourist staying at a homestay in Karnataka was sexually assaulted by a staff member.
How is Karnataka making sure that tourist stays in the state are safe?
Karnataka has strengthened the safety rules for homestays and B&B stays to ensure tourist safety.
What new rules has the Karnataka government introduced for homestays?
Karnataka has made it mandatory for homestays to display registration certificates, license details, and emergency contact numbers. The state has also introduced police verification for staff and stricter monitoring of guest records and safety compliance.