Marshyangdi Rural Municipality in the northern part of Lamjung has launched a homestay promotional programme, to expand the fledgling industry in new areas. The municipality said that the programme will also focus on existing homestays as well.

Arjun Gurung, chairman of the Marshyangdi Rural Municipality, said they launched a working plan to operate at least one homestay per ward. According to him, the targeted programme will be launched in Marshyangdi, Ghanpokhari, Syurung, Chapra, Mipra and other wards.

A homestay experience is where a guest stays in a local village to gain an insight into a typical Nepali lifestyle.

Daily cultural activities are a major attraction of the homestay scheme. Sirubari and Ghalegaon were the pioneer villages with regard to homestay.

The government has been promoting homestay to decentralise tourism and boost rural economies. According to Gurung, there are around 70 homestays in Syurung, Dhagai, Chapra, Mipra and Bhusme. He said that another 80 homestays could be operated in other wards. “We are currently exploring new homes before launching promotional programmes.”

The Marshyangdi Rural Municipality has been conducting promotional activities to attract visitors to homestays in Ghanpokhari, which is situated at 2,250 m. However, it has remained isolated. Gurung said that they would be facilitating the new operators with necessary training and logistics. “For the old operators, we are planning to launch programmes as per the requirement.” In the initial phase, the Marshyangdi Rural Municipality has allocated budget of Rs1 million. The municipality plans to hold discussions with the new and old operators to prepare the programmes.

According to a survey conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank, homestays have a positive impact on the environment and improve the quality of people’s lives.

The study titled “Dallagaon Homestay and Its Sustainability”, which was conducted in Bardia district, states that the service has a great influence on creating awareness about health, education, income, social harmony and women empowerment in rural areas.

For example, prior to the launch of the homestay programme, Dallagaon village was very dirty. The people would throw garbage on the streets. After the homestay programme was launched, the situation has changed. Waste paper and plastic are put in dustbins.

Similarly, the rise in homestay activities has boosted the sales of local agro products in the village benefiting the entire community, the study showed.