ASR District Launches 40,000 Tribal Home-Stays

Alluri Sitarama Raju District in Andhra Pradesh is launching an ambitious plan to establish 40,000 community-run home-stays. The initiative aims to boost tourism and provide sustainable income opportunities for locals.

The project focuses on promoting tribal culture while creating new livelihoods across the district’s 11 mandals under the Paderu Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA).

Speaking about the initiative, a district tourism official said, “This scheme is designed to empower local communities by providing them with both financial and technical support. By offering visitors an authentic experience of tribal life, we hope to put ASR District on the map as a model for responsible rural tourism.”

The government has announced that home-stays will be eligible for subsidies under the Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Scheme. Additional investment support will also be provided. Loans will be made available through the district rural development agency. Operators will undergo training programs, and graded certifications—silver and gold—will ensure consistent quality.

Residents have expressed enthusiasm for the project. Lakshmi, a resident of a village in Paderu, said, “This is a great opportunity for us to earn a steady income while sharing our culture with visitors.” Another resident, Ravi, added, “With proper training and support, I believe we can attract tourists from across India and even abroad.”

Security measures will be implemented at the village, mandal, and district levels to ensure visitor safety. An online portal will streamline applications and provide ongoing technical assistance. Officials estimate that operators could recover their investments within two tourism seasons, making the project financially viable.

By integrating culture, community, and tourism, ASR District aims to create a sustainable model that benefits both residents and visitors.