Kodagu Cracks Down on Illegal Homestays, Tightens Tourist Safety Norms

The Tourism Department in Kodagu has launched a crackdown on illegal homestays, warning operators of stringent legal action if they fail to register their properties through the official tourism portal. The department has directed all homestay owners in Kodagu district to compulsorily register their properties, with those operating without valid approval facing action under the Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015.

The move comes as Kodagu witnesses a sharp increase in private accommodations catering to tourists, many of which are allegedly operating without regulatory supervision. Tourism officials stated that both existing and new homestays must obtain registration from the Department of Tourism, and only approved properties would be listed on the department’s official website.

As part of stricter safety measures, homestay owners have been instructed to install round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, conduct police background verification of employees, and maintain detailed guest registers. Operators must also ensure cleanliness, fire safety, and proper waste segregation, and report any suspicious activities to the police.

The Tourism Department has appealed to the public to support the drive against illegal homestays in Kodagu by reporting unauthorised operations to the department or the local police. The department has provided contact details for reporting, including phone numbers and email addresses.

The authorities will conduct surprise checks to verify guest registers, employee records, and CCTV footage, and homestay owners are expected to cooperate fully during these inspections. The immediate outlook is that the Tourism Department will continue to monitor and regulate homestays in Kodagu, with a focus on enhancing tourist safety and preventing illegal operations.