Govt plans to push homestays in Ganjam coastal villages

Berhampur: To boost local tourism and provide visitors with an authentic and cultural experience, the state govt has planned to develop homestay facilities in five fishermen-dominated villages in Ganjam district’s Chikit block.The selected villages include Sonapur, Katura, Surala, Jhatipadara and Eksingh — all seashore villages. Govt will provide incentive and subsidy schemes under its new Tourism Policy-2026 to attract investors to provide homestay facilities.Located at the confluence of Bahuda river and Bay of Bengal, about 30 km from Berhampur, Sonapur beach has been certified as a Blue Flag beach for the past three years in a row as it meets stringent international standards for cleanliness, environmental sustainability, safety, etc., due to the active participation of the local people and has become a model for sustainable coastal tourism.To provide homestay facilities to visitors who visit Sonapur, govt has selected its adjoining villages and has proposed 15 homestays in these villages, sources said.“The investors’ meet will be held at Chhatrapur in the district on Friday to discuss the state’s new tourism policy and different schemes under the policy, including homestay facilities,” said Ganjam collector Keerthi Vasan V.Around 250 investors are expected to participate in the meet, where the state’s tourism commissioner-cum-secretary Balwant Singh is scheduled to attend. Under the new tourism policy, each homestay project will receive financial assistance. The investor will get a Rs 2.5 lakh subsidy per room, etc., sources said. The homestay owners will also be extended support for capacity building, marketing facilities, etc.Apart from homestays, other investment opportunities in tourism sectors in the district are likely to be discussed in the meeting, sources said.Known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions, Ganjam district offers a memorable experience for visitors. “Famous tourist destinations, including Gopalpur and Sonapur beach, famous Shakti shrine Tara Tarini, Taptapani, famous for its hot spring, Jaugada and Potagada — historical monuments, Biranachi Narayan temple, known as wooden Konark, etc., have attracted tourists from the country and abroad throughout the year,” said Janak Kumar Tarai, district tourist officer.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.