Mangaluru, Aug 17,2017: Homestays contribute a great deal to tourism development and the government too is encouraging public to open homestays. Presently, the government has decided to make it mandatory for homestays to secure permission from the Tourism Department while there is no need for securing any other permit including trade licence.
Homestays are encouraged even in Dakshina Kannada district and anyone owning a house with at least five rooms can start a homestay. The registration fee for three years is Rs 500 whiile exemption is also provided from luxury tax if room rent is below Rs 5,000. Those interested to start a homestay can register themselves online through the government website provided they have all the requisite amenities. More details can be had by contacting the office of the Assistant Director of Tourism Department in Mangaluru on telephone numbers 0824-2453926 or District Tourism counsellor Sudhir T Gowda on mobile number 7411610243.