Services associated with community based or homestay tourism are revolutionizing the tourism industry and maneuvers the strategy adopted by the tourism operators. This chapter aims to explore the transformation in services offered by the homestay tourism sector which disrupts the market for tourism. The purpose of this chapter is to offer prognostications of the future directions. This chapter is based on systematic research of academic and secondary sources. It is fundamental that close understanding of how family businesses and home stay tourism work concurrently to provide value to destinations is maintained. The chapter synthesizes developments in services attached to home stay tourism and proposes a future perspective by taking incremental stock take of current understanding of family businesses in home stay tourism.
TopIntroduction
Tourism is a millennium old practice or phenomenon of humans’ wander in pursuit of myriad purposes like spiritual discovery, leisure, and adventure etc. The apex body on tourism, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2008) in its technical manual endorses the first of its kind of definition for tourism given by Hunziker & Krapf (1942) as a phenomenon of people moving from one place to another for a period not less than twenty four hours and not more than a year for any purpose other than employment.
In the dynamic landscape of tourism, the role of accommodation has been a constant cornerstone, shaping the experiences of travelers throughout history. The evolution of accommodation reflects not only the changing needs and preferences of tourists but also the advancements in technology and societal shifts. From ancient inns and caravanserais to modern luxury hotels and Airbnb rentals, the modes of accommodation have adapted to meet the diverse demands of travelers. As we stand at the crossroads of technological innovation and societal transformation, the way accommodation is delivered to tourists is poised for significant changes. The advent of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and smart technologies has already begun to reshape the hospitality industry, offering new possibilities for personalized and seamless experiences.
In contemplating the future of accommodation in tourism, it is crucial to recognize the enduring responsibility and value that lodging establishments hold in facilitating memorable and comfortable stays for visitors. While the methods of delivery may undergo transformations, the essence of providing a home away from home remains constant. Sustainable practices, eco-friendly initiatives, and a heightened focus on community engagement are likely to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of accommodation in tourism. As we embark on this journey of reimagining hospitality, it becomes imperative to strike a balance between embracing innovation and preserving the fundamental principles that have made accommodation an integral part of the timeless practice of tourism.
While accommodation remains a pivot for the movement of tourists, service providers face likely alterations in how the delivery of accommodation is carried out. Despite this, the underlying responsibility and merit of accommodation as a means of tourism has and will continue. The intent is to revisit, spin out some past shifts and pose some views on what may lie ahead.
The primary objective of the present study is to offer a comprehensive perspective article that explores the historical evolution, current status, and future trajectory of homestay accommodations within the tourism industry. By examining the past, present, and potential future of homestays, this study aims to provide insights into the pivotal role these lodging options have played in shaping the overall tourism experience. Through an exploration of the historical roots of homestays, an analysis of their current prominence in the hospitality sector, and a forward-looking assessment of emerging trends, the study aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dynamics surrounding this unique form of accommodation.