Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday launched the Go-Homestay Portal in Bhubaneswar to strengthen community-based tourism in the State.
The portal was inaugurated at a city hotel during a State-level workshop on the Odisha Homestays Establishment Scheme-2025. The workshop aimed to inform stakeholders about the scheme and its implementation, according to an official release.
Speaking at the event, Parida said homestays offer more than accommodation. She said they open doors to Odisha’s culture, traditions, and local hospitality. She added that the Go-Homestay Portal will bring transparency and make it easier for people to start homestays.
The deputy CM said the initiative will support rural households, women, and local entrepreneurs. She further said tourism-led development will help create new income opportunities in villages.
The workshop included presentations on the scheme’s operational guidelines. Technical experts also gave a live demonstration of the portal. Representatives from Homestays of India and Svanir Wilderness Homestay conducted expert sessions.
Experienced homestay owners joined panel discussions and shared their success stories and best practices.
Officials also discussed the action plan and district-level responsibilities for implementing the scheme.
Among those present were Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, and State Mission Director-cum-CEO of Odisha Livelihoods Mission Monica Priyadarshini. District officials, financial institutions, PRI members, homestay owners, and tourism experts also attended the programme.
