Karnataka Unveils New Coastal and Homestay Tourism Policies to Boost Regional Growth

The Karnataka government announced today two landmark policy initiatives aimed at transforming the state’s coastline into a major driver of tourism. During the 55th FHRAI (Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India) convention held in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah along with senior ministers rolled out the Coastal Tourism Policy and a Homestay Policy designed to accelerate investment, improve infrastructure, and leverage local participation. Under the new Coastal Tourism Policy, the state seeks to develop underutilized stretches of the coastline, improving amenities like beaches, waterfront promenades, and public access. The policy encourages sustainable infrastructure development, promoting eco-friendly resorts, waste management, and conservation of marine ecosystems. The state government emphasized that environmental protection will be central; any coastal zone development will be subject to rigorous environmental impact assessments and compliance with regulations governing shoreline use and wetland protection. The Homestay Policy is aimed especially at small and medium enterprises, local residents, and entrepreneurs in coastal districts. With simpler licensing, online registration, and government support for branding, training and safety standards, the policy intends to open up alternate accommodation options for tourists, boosting local incomes. Host families will receive assistance in training for hospitality, hygiene, and customer service. Regulatory oversight is balanced with ease of doing business in view, so that homestays can compete with formal lodgings while maintaining quality and safety norms. Officials at the convention stressed public-private partnerships as key in execution. Private investors are being invited to develop integrated tourism circuits combining beaches with cultural, culinary, and wildlife experiences. The government plans to upgrade connectivity—better roads, transport services, and digital infrastructure—so visitors can access new destinations smoothly. Fisherfolk communities and village councils will be involved in decision-making to ensure local benefits and preserve cultural heritage. There are also components aimed at skill development: training youth in coastal regions in hospitality, guiding, water sports, traditional crafts, and marine ecology awareness. These skills hubs are expected to create employment, especially for women and youth. Promotion of local cuisines, fish markets, and coastal festivals is also being encouraged to add local flavor and identity to tourism circuits. Economic forecasts suggest that properly implemented, these policies could raise tourism revenue significantly, create thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, and reduce regional disparities between inland and coastal districts. However, ministers noted challenges: obtaining environmental clearances, ensuring reliable utilities in remote locations, addressing pollution, and improving safety standards in homestays and coastal zones are among them. In sum, Karnataka’s policy move today reflects a shift toward more inclusive, sustainable, and locally rooted tourism growth. With clear regulatory simplifications, investment incentives, skill building, and environmental safeguards, the aim is to position the state’s coastal belt as a model for responsible tourism while delivering economic benefits to local people.