Homestays ensure livelihood to people

With the increasing footfall of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, the people living in the Union Territory, especially those associated with the tourism sector have been witnessing good seasons throughout the year. However, some of the initiatives taken by the government have paved the way for the local populace to earn a livelihood. One of such initiatives is homestays, which is turning a boon and favourable for the common people here, especially for those living close to the famous tourist destinations. From capital city Srinagar to picturesque Tangmarg, Sonamarg and Doodhpathri, homestays are coming up in large numbers with figures revealing that last year as many as 457 homestays came up in Jammu and Kashmir, which added to the bed capacity by 1180. With this, the total number of homestays in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to 1,942 with the bed capacity of 14,180. The concept of homestays is flourishing as the tourist numbers are breaking records of the previous years. Notably, as many as 15.65 lakh tourists visit Kashmir till June this year. The number has gone up as the footfall is increasing with each passing day here. More homestays are expected to come up in coming years as people apply for permission to set up homestays and guest houses. Such initiatives are a welcome move and needs to be given top priority so that the people could earn their livelihood and the tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir will not face any kind of hardships with regard to their stay while travelling to the picturesque place, known as the heaven on earth.