The 'homestay' scheme launched recently by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation (HPTDC) has evoked an overwhelming response in Kullu and Manali region with most tourists preferring to stay in small accommodations instead of costly luxury hotels.

Ever since the scheme was launched, 216 homestay units have been registered in the state, out of which 103 were in Kullu district alone and occupancy of these units was nearly 100 per cent in peak season. 'Homestay' is not only the first choice of domestic tourists but also of foreign tourists and the facilities provided in these units with maximum up to three rooms are comparable with any good hotel.

Rajeshwar Goel, Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM), Kullu said that keeping in view the popularity of the homestay scheme, a proposal has been sent to the Corporation to increase the number of rooms in homestay units from three to five.

Sunjay Dutta, Chairman, Kullu Valley Homestay Association said the congestion in towns was prompting the visitors to shift their stay from towns to rural areas where clean air, organically grown food and natural beauty was in abundance.