Empowering homestay owners along the Chardham yatra route with EaseMyTrip’s collaborative initiative
EaseMyTrip.com, a prominent name in India’s travel technology sector, has taken yet another stride towards fostering growth and sustainability in the tourism industry. In partnership with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), EaseMyTrip recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering homestay owners along the revered Chardham Yatra route. This innovative endeavour, known as the Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Programme, signifies a remarkable fusion of entrepreneurship, education, and eco-consciousness.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Tourism
The Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Programme, launched in April and spanning across May, embodies a holistic approach to capacity building and skill enhancement. Targeting 150 homestay owners situated along the Chardham Yatra route, the programme endeavours to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills essential for operating successful and sustainable homestay ventures. By focusing on areas such as hospitality, environmental conservation, and guest management, EaseMyTrip aims to elevate the quality of tourism experiences while nurturing local entrepreneurship.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Practical Learning
Central to the success of the programme is its meticulously crafted curriculum, designed to cater to the diverse needs and challenges faced by homestay owners. Through a blend of classroom sessions and hands-on training, participants are exposed to a wide array of topics including hygiene standards, waste management practices, guest safety protocols, housekeeping management, customer service excellence, and technological proficiency. This comprehensive approach ensures that homestay owners emerge not only as proficient hosts but also as stewards of responsible tourism.
Strategic Implementation and Impact
Since its inception, the Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Programme has made significant strides in empowering homestay owners across key locations along the Chardham Yatra route. Sessions have already been conducted in Joshimath (Badrinath), Guptkashi (Kedarnath), and Ukhimath (Kedarnath), with upcoming sessions slated for Gangotri (Uttarkashi) and Yamunotri (Uttarkashi). The programme has already seen the certification of 31 homestay owners in Joshimath, 25 in Guptkashi, and 39 in Ukhimath, underscoring its tangible impact on local communities.
Endorsements and Collaborative Efforts
Mr. Nishant Pitti, Co-founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This programme is a testament to EaseMyTrip’s commitment to sustainable tourism and empowering local communities. By enhancing the quality of services provided by homestay owners, we not only improve the travel experience but also contribute to the local economy. Post-certification, these homestays will be integrated into our platform, benefiting from our vast network of over 20 million registered users and 60,000+ travel agencies.“
Sh Satyaki Rastogi, CGM SIDBI stated, “Kindling Entrepreneurship is at the heart of all that we do at SIDBI. Strengthening the resilience of micro and small enterprises, building their capacities, improving their backward and forward connects and changing global business scenarios have been defining our portfolio over the last three decades. Working closely with local youth to establish homestays, especially at ecologically sensitive destinations, building capacities of the stakeholders through skill development, training & handholding, with sustainability and environmental sensitivity at the core are some of the areas we have been engaged in.”
Surendra Singh Samant, Joint Director, of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) said, “UTDB supports and encourages the ‘Homestay Entrepreneurship Training’ initiative at five strategic locations along the Char Dham Yatra route under the Cluster Intervention Program (CIP) by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). With three of these locations already benefiting from the program, UTDB stands firmly behind such endeavours that empower local communities and foster sustainable tourism practices, by partnering with online platforms these homestays will gain greater visibility, attracting tourists seeking authentic experiences. Through this concerted effort, UTDB aims to showcase Uttarakhand’s rich tapestry of culture, heritage, and traditions, thereby promoting the state as a premier tourist destination while uplifting the livelihoods of its residents.”
Towards a Sustainable Future
The Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Programme represents a pivotal step towards realizing EaseMyTrip’s vision of promoting sustainable tourism practices across India. By empowering local entrepreneurs and enhancing the quality of tourism offerings, the initiative not only enriches travel experiences but also contributes to the socioeconomic development of host communities. As certified homestays integrate into EaseMyTrip’s platform, they gain access to a vast network of travellers, thereby amplifying their visibility and impact in the tourism landscape.
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