EaseMyTrip.com, in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), has announced the launch of a Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Programme. This initiative aims to empower homestay owners along the sacred Chardham Yatra route, enhancing their hospitality skills and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Initiated in April and running through May, the program targets 150 homestay owners, providing them with essential training in hospitality management and sustainable practices. The curriculum combines classroom learning with practical sessions and culminates in a certification from EaseMyTrip, SIDBI, and UTDB.
The training covers a wide range of topics, including:
– Hygiene and environmental safety
– Waste management
– Guest safety and security
– Housekeeping management
– Customer support
– Booking management
– Technology training and support
So far, training sessions have been conducted in Joshimath (Badrinath), Guptkashi (Kedarnath), and Ukhimath (Kedarnath). Upcoming sessions are planned for Gangotri (Uttarkashi) and Yamunotri (Uttarkashi). To date, certificates have been awarded to 31 homestay owners in Joshimath, 25 in Guptkashi, and 39 in Ukhimath.
Nishant Pitti, Co-founder and CEO, 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.”
Satyaki Rastogi, CGM, SIDBI, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, saying, “Kindling entrepreneurship is at the heart of all that we do at SIDBI. Strengthening resilience of micro and small enterprises, building their capacities, and improving their connects through changing global business scenarios has been defining our portfolio over the last three decades. Working closely with local youth to establish homestays, especially at ecologically sensitive destinations, is a key part of our mission.”
The opening of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri took place on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, while Badrinath Dham will open on May 12. Helicopters showered petals on the Kedarnath shrine as its doors opened. These high-altitude shrines remain closed for six months each year, opening in summer and closing at the onset of winter.
Surendra Singh Samant, Joint Director, UTDB, added, “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 SIDBI. With three locations already benefiting, UTDB stands firmly behind such endeavors that empower local communities and foster sustainable tourism practices.”Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be better equipped to manage their properties, ensuring superior guest satisfaction and implementing sustainable practices. Additionally, EaseMyTrip will onboard these certified homestays onto its platform, enhancing their visibility and distribution.
This initiative is part of EaseMyTrip’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices across India and support local tourism infrastructure by providing entrepreneurs with valuable learning opportunities and professional growth.
