The six-day Homestay Management Training, coordinated by the Dzongkhag Administration, Punakha, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DoT), successfully concluded yesterday. A total of 22 homestay owners from across Punakha Dzongkhag completed the program, marking a significant step toward strengthening the local hospitality sector.
Aimed at equipping local hosts with essential knowledge and skills in hospitality management, sustainable community-based tourism practices, and to offer authentic and immersive local experiences, the training featured both theoretical and practical sessions. Participants engaged in study trips to Gangtey, as well as home tours of Village Homestays (VHS) within the Dzongkhag, providing them with firsthand exposure to best practices in homestay operations.
The training was facilitated by officials from the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), the Department of Tourism (DoT), and the Dzongkhag Administration. Their collective expertise in sustainable tourism, hospitality management, Village homestay-related policies, and local economic development enriched the learning experience.
A key outcome of the training was the formation of the Punakha Village Homestay Group, a collective initiative designed to foster ownership, coherence, and coordination among homestay owners. This group will play a vital role in identifying and addressing challenges, ensuring the sustainability of homestay operations while actively contributing to the broader tourism development goals of the Dzongkhag.
The successful completion of this training underscores the commitment of the Dzongkhag Administration in empowering rural communities and promoting authentic, immersive and unique tourism experiences in Bhutan.