EaseMyTrip Collaborates with SIDBI and Uttarakhand Tourism to Empower Homestay Owners Along the Chardham Yatra Route

EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s leading travel tech platforms, in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), announces the launch of a Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Programme aimed at empowering homestay owners along the sacred Chardham Yatra route.

This innovative training program, initiated in April and extending throughout May, aims to enhance the capabilities of 150 homestay owners by equipping them with essential skills in hospitality and eco-friendly practices. The curriculum is meticulously designed, integrating classroom learning with practical sessions, ultimately leading to a certification jointly issued by EaseMyTrip, SIDBI, and UTDB.

The training covers crucial topics such as hygiene, environmental safety and waste management, guest safety and security, housekeeping management, customer support, booking management, and technology training and support. To date, sessions have been conducted in Joshimath (Badrinath), Guptkashi (Kedarnath), and Ukhimath (Kedarnath), with pending sessions in Gangotri (Uttarkashi) and Yamunotri (Uttarkashi).

The sessions have awarded certificates to 31 homestays owners in Joshimath, 25 homestay owners in Guptkashi, and 39 homestay owners in Ukhimath.

Mr. Nishant Pitti, Co-founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This programme is a testament to EaseMyTrip’s commitment to sustainable tourism and empowering local communities. By enhancing the quality of services provided by homestay owners, we not only improve the travel experience but also contribute to the local economy. Post-certification, these homestays will be integrated into our platform, benefiting from our vast network of over 20 million registered users and 60,000+ travel agencies.”

Sh Satyaki Rastogi, CGM SIDBI stated, “Kindling Entrepreneurship is at the heart of all that we do at SIDBI. Strengthening resilience of micro and small enterprises, building their capacities, improving their backward and forward connects and through changing global business scenarios has been defining our portfolio over the last three decades. Working closely with local youth to establish homestays especially at ecologically sensitive destinations, building capacities of the stakeholders through skill development, training & handholding,  with sustainability and environmental sensitivity at the core are some of the areas we have been engaged in.”

Surendra Singh Samant, Joint Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) said, “UTDB supports and encourages the ‘Homestay Entrepreneurship Training’ initiative at five strategic locations along the Char Dham Yatra route under the Cluster Intervention Program (CIP) by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). With three of these locations already benefiting from the program, UTDB stands firmly behind such endeavors that empower local communities and foster sustainable tourism practices, by partnering with online platforms these homestays will gain greater visibility, attracting tourists seeking authentic experiences. Through this concerted effort, UTDB aims to showcase Uttarakhand’s rich tapestry of culture, heritage, and traditions, thereby promoting the state as a premier tourist destination while uplifting the livelihoods of its residents.”

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be better equipped to manage their properties effectively, ensuring superior guest satisfaction and implementing sustainable practices. Furthermore, EaseMyTrip will onboard these certified homestays onto its platform, thereby enhancing their visibility and distribution.

This initiative is part of EaseMyTrip’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices across India and support the local tourism infrastructure by providing local entrepreneurs with learning opportunities and professional growth.