Homestays gain ground as travellers seek authentic experiences in Visakhapatnam
Homestays are steadily gaining traction in Visakhapatnam as travellers increasingly shift from conventional hotels to personalised, experience-led stays, creating new income opportunities for homeowners and strengthening the city’s tourism base.
The coastal city continues to witness steady year-round tourist inflow, driven by its beaches, hills, Buddhist heritage sites, and adventure tourism. Nearby destinations such as Araku Valley, Lambasingi, and Borra Caves are further boosting demand for accommodation beyond traditional hotels.
Reflecting this trend, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2025–29 identifies registered homestays as a key strategy to expand accommodation capacity and encourage community participation in tourism.
Tour operators say travel patterns are clearly changing. “Visakhapatnam is evolving from a short-stay destination into a longer-halt tourism hub. Travellers are seeking flexibility, local experiences and affordable private stays,” said K. Vijay Mohan, President of the Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA). He added that homestays are helping ease pressure on hotels during peak seasons.
He noted that tourism is also expanding beyond traditional zones. “Earlier, visitors were limited to a hotel-driven circuit. Now, homestays are taking tourism into residential and coastal neighbourhoods, spreading economic benefits more widely,” he said, adding that digital platforms have improved visibility for smaller properties.
Homestay operators say guest preferences have shifted significantly. “Guests want to experience the city like locals, interact with residents and stay in neighbourhood settings instead of commercial hotel areas,” said K. Suresh, who runs a beachfront homestay in Rushikonda.
He said bookings have been rising steadily over the past two years, especially during weekends and the October–February peak season. Families prefer privacy and space in apartments and villas. We also see professionals combining work with leisure for longer stays,” he added.
Digital booking platforms have also boosted the segment. “Earlier, hotels dominated bookings. Now, verified listings, reviews, and secure payment systems have increased trust in homestays,” said A. Priyanka, who manages serviced apartments in Yendada. She added that repeat guests and referrals now form a significant share of bookings.
The impact is also being felt in the local economy. “Every guest supports allied services like transport, groceries, housekeeping, and small businesses,” said M. Ramesh, who operates holiday apartments in Bheemunipatnam. He said many owners are converting vacant apartments into registered homestays for steady income.
Key homestay clusters include Rushikonda, Bheemunipatnam, Sagar Nagar, Yendada, and Madhurawada, driven by coastal access and availability of villas and serviced apartments.
The state government plans to scale up registered homestays to over 10,000 by 2029. However, operators say sustained growth will depend on maintaining service standards.
“Cleanliness, safety, transparent pricing, and prompt communication decide repeat guests. Professional management and uniform standards are crucial for long-term trust,” said S. Lakshmi, who runs a boutique homestay near Sagar Nagar.