Sikkim Govt Bans Renting Or Leasing Homestays To Third Parties. Here’s What It Means

Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds, surrounded by lush greenery and pristine vistas, and stepping into a world where your host is not a stranger but a fellow Sikkimese. This is the essence of a homestay experience in Sikkim—a concept that celebrates community, culture, and the warm embrace of Himalayan hospitality. But there’s a twist in this tale, one that adds a layer of uniqueness to the traditional homestay narrative. In a bold move, the Sikkim government has set forth a transformative policy that changes the way homestays operate in this enchanting region. 

Sikkim’s Unique Approach To Homestays

The days of homestay units being leased or rented to third parties are now history. Instead, they will be exclusively managed by the local entrepreneurs who own them. In a recent development, the government of Sikkim has implemented a significant policy change regarding homestays.

According to an official announcement made on Tuesday, homestay owners in Sikkim are now prohibited from leasing. As per the reports from PTI via BDTV, they won’t be renting their establishments to any third party.  This decision marks a shift in the operation of homestays. They will now exclusively be managed by the local entrepreneurs who own these establishments. This directive is in accordance with the Sikkim Registration of Homestay Establishment Rules of 2013.

The advisory, issued by the state government’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department on September 11, emphasises that homestay owners are no longer allowed to enter into leasing or renting arrangements with third parties. Instead, they are required to operate and manage their homestay units personally. Every owner will be required to comply with these regulations.

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Government Enforces Ban On Leasing Homestays

To enforce this policy change effectively, the advisory highlights that any instances of non-compliance will be subject to strict actions taken by the department. This signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring that the new regulations are upheld rigorously.

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As per the reports from PTI via NDTV, the Homestay Association of Sikkim (HAS) has been advocating for such a ban on the leasing and renting of homestay establishments to third parties. This decision aligns with the government’s broader objective of promoting entrepreneurship within the local community, particularly in the tourism sector. 

As part of this initiative, the Sikkim government has also been providing subsidised loans to support the establishment of homestays in the region. Certainly, it encourages local stakeholders to actively participate in the tourism industry.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva