Going off the beaten track of the homestay business, young entrepreneurs in north Kerala villages are waking up to the scope of forming a network of prime farm stays around popular ecotourism spots. Owners of about 20 established farm stays in the upland areas of the Malabar region are now thinking of launching franchises or collaborations to try the satellite mode of operation in the sector.
What they mainly plan is an exchange of creative ideas, projects, and services with affiliated units for mutual development and better returns. Facilitating field visits to such linked farms and associated tourism facilities will be another priority. Each entrepreneur in the chain will play the role of a tourist guide to popularise the concept.
Romeo Thomas, a young farm stay entrepreneur in Kozhikode, says he has developed a viable and creative farm stay model in Kayanna panchayat, which is now open for setting up franchises. His next plan is to join hands with like-minded persons in other districts to set up similar facilities and try new partnership possibilities.
The entrepreneurs are also using social media platforms to popularise such destinations in a cost-effective way. Reviews by travellers and celebrities could help promote their ventures.
“Home-made organic food is one of the unique selling propositions for a majority of the farm stays. For many, it has emerged as a family business too,” says a senior official with the Responsible Tourism project. He adds that artistic skills of family members are also on display at such facilities to attract guests and open windows for additional revenue.
William Mathew, a techie-turned-farm stay enthusiast from Kozhikode who cultivates over 450 varieties of fruit plants at his orchard in Omassery panchayat, says creative farm stay ventures will change the face of Kerala tourism. It will also help double the income of farmers, he adds.
Many grama panchayats in Kozhikode, Kannur, and Wayanad districts are in the process of coming up with support packages for the farm stay ventures. Proposals put forth by people’s representatives are under the consideration of the State government and Tourism department for action. A meeting of aspiring entrepreneurs is also being planned in various grama panchayats in Kozhikode next week.
