Rules have been framed under Section 8(3) of the Karnataka Tourism Business (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015. As per these rules, any individual providing accommodation facilities to tourists under the name of homestays or similar establishments for tourism purposes must mandatorily register with the Karnataka Tourism Department.
According to the government order, all homestays operating within the district are required to be registered with the Tourism Department. Despite sufficient time being provided to homestay owners for compliance, it has been observed that several establishments remain unregistered.
The district administration has taken this matter seriously and has directed all unregistered homestays to immediately complete their registration process. It has also been instructed that such establishments must cease all unauthorized operations until compliance is ensured. Licenses of homestays operating illegally have already been cancelled, and authorities have warned that legal action will be initiated against those continuing operations without proper registration.
Homestays that are already operating with valid licenses from the Tourism Department, and whose license period is due to expire within five years, have been instructed to renew their licenses promptly.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any information or complaints regarding illegally operated homestays. Such details may be submitted in writing to the Office of the Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Stuart Hill Road, Madikeri, Kodagu District – 571201.
Complaints can also be made via Tel No.: 08272-200519,
Email: dd*************@***il.com, or by contacting the District Superintendent of Police Office at 112, according to a Tourism Department press release.
