India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has launched a capacity building programme for tribal homestay owners in New Delhi. The initiative is aimed at improving hospitality standards, strengthening community-based tourism, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal households across India.
Programme Launch
The inaugural ceremony was held at Kautilya Hall, Hotel Samrat, New Delhi. The first batch included 40 participants from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Gujarat. The training is being conducted by IHM Ashok under ITDC for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Key Objectives
The programme focuses on:
- Enhancing service quality in tribal homestays.
- Improving visitor experience through professional hospitality skills.
- Supporting tourism-led livelihoods in tribal and mountain regions.
- Promoting sustainable and community-based tourism models.
Manual Released for Homestay Development
A major show of the event was the release of Tribal Homestay – Operation & Development Manual 2026. The publication has been developed by IHM Ashok as a practical guide for both aspiring and existing homestay operators. It has also been translated into Hindi and Gujarati to improve accessibility and outreach.
Policy and Tourism Significance
The initiative aligns with the wider government focus on inclusive development through tourism. It reflects the growing importance of homestays in meeting rising demand for nature-based and less crowded travel destinations. The programme also supports the vision of expanding homestays across the country and building local capacity so that communities can benefit directly from tourism.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026