Unsafe homestays: Regulate to reform

The recent gang-rape of an Israeli tourist and a homestay owner in Hampi has once again placed the spotlight on illegal homestays operating in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

While the Karnataka government mandates that homestays be registered with the local authorities and the tourism department, the reality is starkly different. In Hampi and other popular tourist locations, the majority of homestays operate illegally, thriving due to weak enforcement and lax regulations.

According to tourism department officers, not even a single homestay in the Hampi area, spanning the districts of Koppal and Vijayanagara, is officially registered. Unofficial estimates suggest that there are over 230 such illegal establishments in the area.

While registered homestays are inspected once a year by the tourism department, the illegal ones do not come under the official radar at all.

The absence of registration means these establishments often bypass essential safety protocols. Owners and employees are not subjected to background checks, police clearances are absent, and there is no guarantee that guests are staying in safe, secure environments. The situation is made worse when these homestays operate in remote or isolated areas, far from the reach of local authorities. This vulnerability was tragically highlighted by the recent assault, which occurred at night when tourists were far from the safety of regulated accommodations.

Proper registration would ensure compliance with safety guidelines, such as prohibiting tourists from venturing into isolated areas after dark, and providing clear instructions on behaviour and safety. The concern over the unregulated homestay industry extends beyond Hampi. Destinations like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada are witnessing a surge in illegal homestays and resorts, often constructed without regard for environmental guidelines. These unregistered establishments have become hotbeds for illegal activities like rave parties, gambling and even prostitution, attracting undesirable elements from across the country.

Tourism department officers argue they are often compelled to turn a blind eye to these illegal operations, as they contribute to increasing tourist inflow in districts where accommodation is scarce, thereby contributing to the local economy. This is a flawed argument as travellers may start shunning unsafe tourist destinations, as witnessed in Hampi where visitor numbers plummeted after the incident. Strengthening enforcement, ensuring strict compliance with registration and safety protocols, and holding violators accountable are essential to prevent such incidents in the future. Not only do these homestays pose a danger to tourists, but they also risk Karnataka’s reputation as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.