The India Tourism Development Corporation, under the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, inaugurated a capacity building programme for tribal homestay owners at Hotel Samrat.
The initiative aims to promote community-based tourism while enhancing hospitality skills among tribal homestay operators across India.
Boosting Community-Based Tourism
The programme is designed to improve service standards, enrich visitor experiences, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. Training is being conducted by IHM Ashok.
The first batch includes 40 participants from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Gujarat.
Key Officials Attend Inaugural Event
The inaugural ceremony saw participation from senior officials including Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Manish Thakur, Additional Secretary; Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director of ITDC; Varnali Deka, Director; and Rajesh Rana, Director (Commercial & Marketing), ITDC.
Manual on Tribal Homestays Released
A major highlight of the event was the release of the publication titled “Tribal Homestay – Operation & Development Manual 2026.” Developed by IHM Ashok, the manual serves as a practical guide for setting up and managing tribal homestays.
The multilingual manual, available in Hindi and Gujarati, aims to ensure wider accessibility and effective implementation across regions.
Meeting Changing Travel Trends
Speaking at the event, Secretary Ranjana Chopra said that modern Indian travellers are increasingly looking for less crowded, nature-based destinations and longer stays.
She noted that the homestay model addresses both tourism demand and the shortage of hotel rooms in the country, while also generating income opportunities for tribal households, especially in remote and hilly regions.
Empowering Communities Through Training
ITDC Managing Director Mugdha Sinha highlighted that the initiative aligns with the vision of expanding homestays across India. She said the immediate goal is to train 1,500 participants, who can further act as trainers in their respective states.
She also emphasized the importance of collaboration between ministries and platforms like Incredible India to build a strong ecosystem for sustainable tourism.
Focus on Inclusive Growth
The programme reflects the government’s broader focus on inclusive development through tourism. By equipping tribal homestay owners with professional skills, the initiative aims to:
- Improve quality of hospitality services
- Generate local employment
- Promote cultural preservation
- Support sustainable tourism practices
About ITDC
Established in 1966, the India Tourism Development Corporation plays a key role in developing tourism infrastructure in India. Apart from operating hotels, ITDC is involved in sectors such as travel services, event management, duty-free retail, consultancy, and hospitality education.
Key Takeaway
The launch of this capacity building programme marks a significant step toward empowering tribal communities through tourism. By combining skill development with sustainable practices, the initiative aims to create long-term economic opportunities while preserving India’s rich tribal heritage.
Source: PIB
Last Updated on: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 4:27 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 3:53 pm | News Categories: Delhi
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