Homestays of Kalimpong: Emerging and Sustainable Economy and its impact on socio-economic fabric of rural society

Tourism is seen as one of the fastest growing industries and is a major contributing factor in the economy of the world. It is diverse in nature and has gained immense importance globally being a lucrative business. Over the years the tourism industry has incorporated many new forms keeping in view the changing needs of a traveller. Homestay, a popular form of hospitality and lodging whereby visitors share a residence with a local of a city or village to which they are travelling has emerged as a popular alternative to hotel accommodation. Homestays offer several advantages such as exposure to everyday life in a new location and an opportunity to live a local’s life, experience local culture and traditions, friendship and foreign language. This popular trend of ‘homestay tourism’ which is far economical has been favoured my many who like to travel frequently. Today as many travellers are interested in spending time in nature there has been in increase in the number of rural homestays that have opened giving impetus to rural tourism.
This drift from traditional hotel accommodation to homestay accommodation is seen in Kalimpong, a newly formed district in West Bengal in the foothills of the Himalayas. The increasing demand for homestays may be explained by recent global social and cultural changes resulting in greater interest and appreciation in cultural heritage, lifestyles and environmental concerns (Kannegieser, I. 2015). Homestay tourism provides economic benefits creating opportunities for both men and women. This paper attempts to highlight the emerging trend of homestay tourism in Kalimpong District as an alternative source of income, its opportunities and challenges.