Homestays: A Way Forward to Sustainable Development Goals

Homestays have emerged as quintessential representations of sustainable tourism, transcending conventional tourist experiences. This study presents a critical examination of the multifaceted impact of homestays in India on the realization of Agenda 2030, with a particular focus on five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG13 (Climate Action). Through an in-depth literature review, this study reveals a spectrum of impacts, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, highlighting the capacity of homestays to trigger a cascading effect in advancing multiple SDGs. The findings provide valuable insights into how community-based tourism, such as homestays, can contribute to broader sustainability goals while emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to mitigate potential challenges. This study enriches our understanding of the intricate relationship between homestays and sustainable development, offering a nuanced perspective for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.