Latest news with #K-Homes
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
K-Homes remains a non-starter despite being in demand
Avinash Nair, a private company employee in Ahmedabad, has been anxiously waiting for the roll-out of the K-Homes project announced in the last Budget by the State government. A native of Malayalapuzha, he has an unoccupied property near the Malayalapuzha Devi temple in Pathanamthitta, a district home to many famed temples. K-Homes envisages renting out unoccupied houses in tourist destinations in Kerala to tourists as holiday homes. The project seeks to develop basic tourism infrastructure by maximising the utility of unoccupied homes. In the initial phase, it was planned to be implemented within 10 km of tourism destinations such as Fort Kochi, Kumarakom, Kovalam, and Munnar. 11.89 lakh vacant houses However, around six months after the project was announced, not a single house has been rented out. Kerala has around 11.89 lakh vacant houses as per the 2011 Census data (an estimated 15 lakh-odd houses now). As per the initial proposal, the project offers revenue to the house owners and ensures the maintenance and safety of such houses. Pathanamthitta has the highest concentration of premium unoccupied houses and villas in the State. 'My property has been lying vacant for the past few years, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, as my parents shifted to the my sister's house in Kochi. I was not interested in renting out the property, considering the risks involved. Hence I decided to make the property available for holidaymakers,' said Mr. Nair. Kerala Tourism sources told The Hindu said a meeting was convened by the department recently as part of drafting the project guidelines. Soon, another round of meeting will be convened inviting suggestions from stakeholders. The Budget had earmarked ₹5 crore for the initial project expenses. Dearth of quality rooms Though Kerala has the highest number of star hotels in the country, it has a dearth of quality rooms to meet the needs of budget and luxury class tourists. The prime requirement for attracting foreign tourists is the availability of quality hotel rooms. Although the project had irked a section of the hospitality sector, especially homestay owners, who were against providing budgetary support to unoccupied houses since most such dwellings are owned by wealthy non-resident Indians, the tourism sector as a whole was in favour of the project, considering the high number of unoccupied houses in the State.
Gulf News
13-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Kerala's tourism boom: Record 22.25 million visitors and bold new initiatives
'This surge in tourist arrivals shows that Kerala has been consistently breaking its own records in recent years,' said Riyas. Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas shared these impressive figures in the State Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting the state's continuous growth in the tourism sector. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is witnessing an unprecedented tourism surge, with 22.25 million visitors flocking to the state in 2024 — a remarkable 21% increase from pre-pandemic levels. K-homes: A game-changer for tourist stays A key highlight of the 2025-26 state budget is the newly introduced K-Homes project, which aims to convert unoccupied homes near major tourist destinations into accommodations. Initially, the project will be rolled out in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar, and Fort Kochi. 'The K-Homes project will take Kerala's tourism to new heights, offering visitors a comfortable stay with an immersive experience of local culture and cuisine,' Riyas said, adding that online booking facilities will be introduced for seamless reservations. Empowering women in tourism In a significant step toward inclusivity, the government has launched a project to bring women stakeholders in tourism under one umbrella. So far, 17,631 women have registered, including tour operators, homestay owners, drivers, and tourism entrepreneurs, through the Responsible Tourism Mission Society. Farm tourism and hidden gems Kerala is also betting big on Farm Tourism, with 952 units receiving training under the Responsible Tourism Mission Society. Out of 452 performing units, 103 have been listed on the RT Mission's website, showcasing Kerala's commitment to sustainable tourism. Additionally, the Destination Challenge project aims to promote lesser-known tourist spots in collaboration with Local Self-Government Institutions. Forty such hidden gems have already been identified, promising new experiences for travelers. Tourism clubs: Youth and campus involvement To further boost tourism, Campus-Based Tourism Clubs have been roped in for destination upkeep and branding. Meanwhile, a student training program is set to equip young enthusiasts with language skills to become professional tourist guides. Kerala has also formed Local Youth Tourism Clubs, bringing together taxi drivers, auto-rickshaw operators, and local service providers to enhance visitor experiences.
