ALMORA: Over 200 of the 425 officially registered homestays in Almora were found to be non-compliant with safety, infrastructure, and registration standards during an inspection conducted by the district tourism department.
The inspection reports revealed several violations, including inadequate safety measures, poor infrastructure maintenance, and discrepancies in registration processes.
As a result, the tourism department has cancelled the registration of the non-compliant homestays and issued notices to their operators. These operators have been instructed to either align with the norms by registering as hotels or resorts or face legal action.
“The inspection revealed that many homestays were operating outside the bounds of the law, jeopardising tourist safety. This step was necessary to regulate the industry and maintain standards,” said Prakash Khatri, the Almora district tourism officer, on Tuesday,
He added, “All deregistered homestays have been given a fixed period to address the deficiencies and reapply for registration under the correct category. Non-compliance within the stipulated time frame could result in fines and potential closure of properties.”
Homestays have grown in popularity across Uttarakhand, offering visitors a personalised and immersive local experience. In Almora, the trend has been driven by the region’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, attracting urban investors seeking lucrative opportunities.
However, experts warn that unchecked growth in the sector could lead to overcrowding, strain on natural resources, and diminished safety standards for tourists. Therefore, the recent crackdown is being seen as a “necessary step toward ensuring sustainable tourism development in the region”.
