Crackdown on illegal homestays soon

KOCHI: The Kochi Corporation will soon launch a crackdown on the illegal homestays in and around Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. In addition, the security will be strengthened in these areas to ensure safe stay for the tourists. The corporation is to ask the Town Planning Committee to look into the issue of unauthorised homestays.“We will ask the Town Planning Committee to inspect all the homestays and file a report. Strict action will be taken against illegal homestays,” said Mayor Tony Chammany. He also said that the present state of the tourist destinations will have a negative impact on the Kochi tourism. “Corporation council has expressed its concern over the recent cases  of tourists being attacked and harassed in Fort Kochi. We have asked the police department to beef up the security measures and enforce patrolling in the tourist areas.  We are planning to send a letter to the department regarding this,” Chammany said.Also, the only option for the illegal homestays is to either convert into commercial lodging establishments or acquire homestay licence while fulfilling all the requirements. According to District Tourism Promotion Council’s guidelines, only families who own a good quality house and can spare one to six rooms for tourist accommodation are eligible to operate as a homestay.  “The family should be a part of the homestay and there are different classifications for the authorised homestays. The corporation is already on a drive to find illegal homestays. But they can always get a licence and start functioning provided they meet all the conditions of DTPC,” said Antony Kureethara, Fort Kochi councillor. He added that by closing down all the homestays operating without a licence there will be a shortage of accommodation for the tourists, especially during the peak season. “Only a small percentage of the homestays are involved in anti-social activities. The rest can refurbish their homes and apply for the licence,” he added.