SRI Lanka, hoping to double accommodation capacity on the island, is actively encouraging local families to open their homes to foreign visitors – and earn money in the process.
The government is dangling several incentives, including a grant of up to one million Sri Lankan rupees (US$7,800) to match any investment homestay operators make in upgrading their product.
Locals can also avail of free training and advice from accountants, architects, marketers on housekeeping, cooking and free publicity offered through the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s new programme launched last week.
Anura Lokuhetty, deputy chairman and CEO, Serene Pavilions boutique hotel, said homestays and community tourism were positive ways to bridge the demand-supply gap for accommodation and could add another 1,000 to 1,500 rooms to inventory.
The hospitality veteran also pointed out that the homestay concept provided visitors the opportunity to get a feel of the local culture and people, and live like a local.
Nilmin Nanayakkara, managing director, Nkar Tours & Travels, said community tourism helped the economic benefits of tourism trickle down to the villages. Homestays would be attractive to university students, backpackers and travellers seeking a different experience.
“We handle the Scandinavian inbound market where many clients are university students and they would love this cost-effective (option),” he commented. But he cautioned that Sri Lanka needed “good-quality homes”.
Homestay prices begin at US$20 per night inclusive of breakfast, compared to other forms of accommodation that charge upwards of US$40. About 160 homes with two to four rooms each are listed on the Sri Lanka Tourism website for homestays. The country aims to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2016, five times the 500,000 arrivals in 2009.
