Bengaluru: The state govt has intensified its crackdown on illegal homestays and tightened monitoring of foreign tourists staying in private accommodations, following the alleged rape of a US tourist in Kodagu district, in which two people including a cook and owner were arrested. Acting on directives from Karnataka’s director general and inspector general of police and additional director general of police (law and order), authorities conducted a special operation across districts with a high concentration of homestays, including Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. The drive led to the identification of over 100 illegal homestays so far, even as the operation continues. An official report will soon be submitted to the police and tourism departments, recommending action against operators found violating prescribed guidelines. Sources say licences could be cancelled. Under revised norms, homestay operators must upload details of all foreign guests on the police department’s system, display registration certificates and licences at reception, and report any illegal activity. Staff must undergo police verification, and guests must be provided contact details of key authorities, including police, health services and local administration. Officials said monitoring foreign tourists in remote estate properties had so far relied largely on the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) system and submission of Form C (which contains details of foreign guests). The tourism department is also considering approaching the Centre to regulate online booking platforms that list both registered and unregistered properties. “We will approach the Centre with the proposal that only registered units should be allowed on these platforms,” an official said. However, officials acknowledged enforcement challenges, noting that several unregistered homestays depend on such platforms for a livelihood. “The state’s list of registered homestays goes through a fair amount of scrutiny and is guided by Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015, which mandates registration of homestays,” said HM Srinivas, joint commissioner, tourism. Additional measures include mandatory training for owners and staff by district tourism development committees. The women and child development department will also conduct sessions on gender sensitisation, POSH Act and POCSO Act. Homestays must also install QR codes at reception for guests to download the Karnataka State Police SOS app. In areas with poor mobile connectivity, alternative communication facilities such as landlines must be provided. CCTV cameras at reception areas are now mandatory, with footage to be stored for at least 30 days. To ensure supervision, the govt has also made it compulsory for owners to reside on the premises. Officials said these steps aim to improve accountability, ensure compliance and enhance safety standards, particularly for foreign tourists staying in remote locations.
