Himachal Pradesh: As a significant step to promote sustainable tourism while preserving local heritage, the Koksar Panchayat Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has launched a set of homestay guidelines under the People-Driven and People-Pushed-on-Demand Tourism (POPGT) initiative. This unique effort, undertaken in collaboration with People for Himalayan Development (PHD) and Royal Enfield, aims to empower both tourists and local homestay owners by providing guidance to maintain a balance between hospitality and cultural preservation.
The guidelines, developed in consultation with homestay owners and local stakeholders, will promote mutual respect between visitors and the community. Each homestay owner has been provided with two copies of the guidelines – one in Hindi and the other in English – to ensure accessibility for both hosts and guests. Tourism stakeholder Anshul Paul said, “The homestay guidelines reflect regional values and encourage tourists to respect local traditions, reduce waste and engage responsibly with the environment. For homestay owners, these guidelines provide a shared framework that helps them deliver authentic but consistent hospitality rooted in the warmth and simplicity of Lahaul culture.
“The launch event held today at Koksar PWD Rest House brought together community members, homestay owners and stakeholders. The event was chaired by the head of the Koksar Panchayat Tourism Development Committee, who emphasised the collective spirit behind the initiative,” Paul said. Speaking at the event, the head of the committee, Sachin Mirupa, said, “In Lahaul, hospitality is not just a custom but a part of our identity. These guidelines will help us welcome guests while respecting our traditions and keeping our region beautiful for future generations. Our people and our mountains tell a story and it is important for visitors to respect it and be a part of it during their visit.”
