Panauti Community Homestay
Panauti, Nepal
Impact
The homestay is an opportunity for the local women of Panauti to take on a higher responsibility in the community. It has given them confidence as they portray their capabilities to each guest that visits the town. Through this program, women are learning English and speaking confidently with guests. Solar panels have been installed and community sanitation has improved. Women engaged in the homestay are earning a living for themselves and able to contribute to household expenses, as they become leaders in the community. Twenty percent of income from all bookings are placed in a fund that goes towards community projects, including scholarships and sanitation training. Today there are 20 women working as homestay hosts and welcoming travellers into their homes.
Critical Need
Located just outside of Kathmandu and historic sites, Panauti had been long dismissed as a tourist destination. Many youth and adults choose to leave the community for education and work as employment opportunities within the community are few. Tourism was identified as a way to bring new opportunities for women and youth, and generate income for community development in Panauti. With a UNESCO heritage site and rich culture, the community was identified to have large tourism potential by Planeterra’s local partners, Royal Mountain Travel and the Community Homestay Network.
Our Involvement
Planeterra’s corporate partner, G Adventures, provides a steady stream of travellers to the Panauti Community Homestay, including a Local Living Tour, which brings travellers to Panauti for four nights to truly experience community life. This connection to the tourism value chain boosts their business and allows the community to invest back in what matters most to them. Planeterra also provides ongoing support to the women in Panauti to help the homestay thrive.
