Baramulla, Sept 12: In the scenic backdrop of remote villages of north districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora, a transformative hospitality concept is making waves.
Homestays, a game-changing innovation, are not only fostering the preservation of local culture and the natural environment but also creating significant income opportunities.
Since the renewal of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021, previously isolated border villages and mountains have morphed into burgeoning tourist destinations.
These areas lacked conventional hotel infrastructure, relying primarily on what the local communities had already established.
According to local officials, these remote regions currently lack major hotels and restaurants, and significant overnight accommodations were non-existent until recently.
The advent of tourism, however, has turned the spotlight on homestays, which are proving to be a game changer in attracting more tourists and promising future enhancements.
Local residents are reaping the rewards of this tourism influx, with newfound opportunities for livelihood.
Suhail Khan, a resident of Keran, expressed his gratitude for the shift in fortunes.
"Three years ago, locals had no means of income from tourism, despite our area's world-class appeal. Border tensions kept us in a state of constant fear," he said.
"However, with the government's introduction of border tourism, peace has arrived, and we are now reaping the benefits."
Suhail has a well decorated wooden hut besides a single story house for guests.
"I have employed a cook, helper and guides for the tourists. In one way or the other, the border tourism initiative is helping the locals a lot," he added.
Keran locals are not only benefiting financially from the tourist influx but also actively participating in enhancing visitors' experiences.
Homestays offer a unique opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture by staying with resident families.
These interactions often lead to lasting friendships, especially in the case of solo female travellers looking for a safe and enriching experience.
In the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, homestays have emerged as a game-changing tool, bolstering local economies by creating jobs and promoting cultural exchange.
A homestay typically mirrors a bed-and-breakfast setup, offering guests services and amenities akin to high-end hotels.
However, travellers often prefer homestays over hotels for their ability to provide an authentic and immersive experience of the local culture, sights, and flavours.
Raja Sajad Khan, a resident of Ladua Ladoora in Rafiabad, emphasized the cultural immersion aspect, stating,
"Travellers and locals often form significant friendships during homestay interactions and stay in touch later."
Raja Sajad Khan, a certified tourist guide from Baramulla, proudly runs the first homestay in Rafiabad, where he employs former timber smugglers as luggage carriers on horseback. He noted that homestays allow travellers to savour local cuisine and home-cooked meals.
Homestay tourism not only enhances the economy but also contributes to ecological sustainability.
It opens up previously inaccessible locations, thereby expanding the government's ability to promote new tourist destinations and provide rural communities with additional income sources.
Arshad Hussain, a homestay owner in Rampur, Sopore, goes a step further by encouraging tourists to embrace environmental responsibility.
"Tourists stay with us, dine with us, and then we take them to different locations, encouraging them to save the environment," he said.
"They feel connected to the environment and support the cause of environmental conservation."
The appeal of homestays is on the rise, with more than 250 registered homestays in North Kashmir's districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora.
Additionally, over 80 homestays are currently in the application process.
This emerging trend not only provides income-generating opportunities but also showcases the inherent beauty and culture of these remote regions, making homestays a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to tourism department officials, these homestays offer a combined capacity of 900 rooms and are proving to be a significant revenue generator in these areas, bringing newfound economic vitality to these remote border regions.