A 5-Day Skill Development Programme for Homestay Operators in Uttarakhand

Organized by: Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Training and Research (CTHTR), Dehradun

Date: October 24 to 28, 2025

5-Day Residential Orientation Program

📍 Venue: Hotel Rudra, Near Dehradun Airport
🌐 www.hotelrudrajollygrant.com
📅 Dates: October 24 to 28, 2025 , (Reporting: October 22, 2025)
💰 Training Cost: ₹9600 per participant
(Inclusive of accommodation, all meals and local transport,)

Program Highlights

🏅 Participants will receive a Certificate of Proficiency upon successful completion.

Core Objectives:

• Develop entrepreneurship skills for launching and managing tourism ventures
• Provide practical exposure to resort, home stay, and travel operations
• Introduce participants to government schemes, digital tools, and tourism trends

1. Emergence of Homestay Culture

From the perspective of travelers, homestays offer several compelling advantages over traditional hotels and resorts. Increasingly, travelers are seeking authentic local experiences, and home stays provide them with the opportunity to immerse them in the local culture and connect with local people. Moreover, home stays are often more affordable than hotels, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. The personalized service, comfortable and warm atmosphere, and the opportunity to support local communities further add to the appeal of home stays.

Home stay operators are frequently perceived as lacking adequate training to meet the expectations of modern travelers. This deficiency often leads to inconsistencies in service quality, hygiene standards, and guest relations. While many operators possess local knowledge and cultural insights, they may lack formal training in hospitality management, digital marketing, and effective communication, resulting in a gap between what tourists anticipate and what is delivered. This lack of structured training can hinder the growth and reputation of home stays as a reliable accommodation option, ultimately affecting tourism promotion in the region.

2. Requirement of Professional Training

Despite the growing popularity and support for homestays, several challenges hinder their full potential. Training is crucial to address these limitations and enhance the quality of services provided by homestay operators. Key reasons why training is required include:

● Lack of awareness about policies and schemes

● Marketing and visibility issues

● Need for standardization of services and hygiene

● Capacity building and hospitality skill development.

● Limited financial capacity

● Poor marketing and limited digital literacy

● Lack of foreign language proficiency

● Ensuring cultural sensitivity

● Effective communication and customer service

● Infrastructure gaps

● Seasonal fluctuations

● Emergency preparedness

3. Training Methods

A comprehensive training program for homestay operators include a variety of methods to cater to different learning styles and logistical challenges. Recommended methods include:

● Workshops & In-person Seminars

● On-site Demonstration & Practical Training.

● Online Training Modules / E-learning

● Peer Learning / Experience Sharing Sessions

● Cultural & Language Training

● Mock Guest Stays

● Printed Manuals / Guidebooks

● Certification Programs

4. Contents of the Training

The training program should encompass a comprehensive curriculum addressing various aspects of homestay operations. In view of this the Key content areas include the following:

● Hospitality & Customer Service

● Communication Skills

● Hygiene and Safety Standards

● Problem-Solving & Adaptability

● Cultural Sensitivity

● Language Skills

● Digital Literacy & Marketing

● Financial Management

● Local Knowledge & Promotion

● Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

● Conflict Resolution

● Networking & Relationship-Building

Assumptions

● Number of Participants: 45

● Duration of Program: 6 Days

● All costs are estimated and may vary.

● Accommodation and meal costs are based on average rates for the region.

● Budget does not include travel expenses for participants to reach the venue.

● Venue rental cost is based on availability of local community spaces.

7. Sample Homestay Operator Training Schedule (5 Days) 45 Participants

Day 1: Introduction to Hospitality and Customer Service

5. Implications of Training in Tourism Promotion

Investing in training for homestay operators will have significant positive implications for tourism promotion in Uttarakhand:

● Enhanced Quality of Services

● Promotion of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

● Economic Empowerment of Local Communities

● Authentic Cultural Experiences

● Decentralized Tourism and Exploration of Offbeat Locations Increased Digital Presence and Visibility

● Stronger Local Economy through Sourcing

● Repeat Business and Word-of-Mouth Marketing

● Alignment with Government Objectives

● Integration with Adventure and Wellness Tourism

🏨 Accommodation & Package Inclusions

Total Cost: ₹9000 per participant
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, triple sharing with attached bathrooms, hot/cold water

✅ Inclusions:
• 6 Days/5 Nights stay
• All vegetarian meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners & 1 High tea including 6 bed tea and 12 training session teas
• local transport
• field visits, training sessions
• All taxes and tolls

❌ Exclusions:
• Entry fees room heaters, personal expenses, snacks, insurance, medical aid, porter charges

📝 Registration & Payment Details

💳 Account Name: Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Training and Research
🏦 Bank: Canara Bank, Shastri Nagar, Dehradun
🧾 Account No.: 2726201000381
🔁 IFSC: CNRB0002726

📲 For Registration & Queries:
📞 90270 22816 / 84496 46973
📧 cthtr1991@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: 94120 79836
🌐 Website: https://cthtr.co.in

📢 Important Instructions

• Reporting Point and time: Hotel Rudra Bhaniyawala Dehradun on 23rd October 2025 at 5PM

• Luggage & Valuables: Participants are responsible for their own belongings

• Rooming: Triple sharing with extra mattress

• Meals: Unlimited veg meals including Dal, Chapati, Vegetables, Rice, Poha, Poori, Tea, Paratha, Curd

⚠️ Health, Safety & Policy Notes

• Insurance: Participants are encouraged to arrange personal and luggage insurance

• Refunds: No refund for services missed due to participant's delay or absence

❌ Cancellation Charges:

• 10%: 30+ days before program

• 25%: 25+ days before program

• 50%: 20 days before program

• 100%: Less than 15 days before program

🧾 Legal Note: All disputes subject to jurisdiction of courts in Dehradun

“Grooming the Home Stay operators for Entrepreneurship Development in the Tourism & Hospitality Sector

Day 2: Hygiene, Safety, and Operational Management

Day 3: Communication, Cultural Sensitivity, and Problem-Solving

Day 4: Digital Literacy, Marketing, and Financial Management

Day 5: Local Knowledge, Sustainability, and Final Assessment

Day 6th : Closing Ceremony and Distribution of Certificates, And Leaving the venue to their respective places

Day 2: Hygiene, Safety, and Operational Management

Day 2: Hygiene, Safety, and Operational Management