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Don’t miss out!

It is widely acknowledged that the Internet has transformed how we learn about a particular travel destination and make the necessary travel arrangements. Even then, the travel industry has gone on to surprise us with the rising number of bookings on online vacation rental sites. This means that tourists and travellers are no longer confined to the typical hotel. Imagine being able to stay at a celebrity couple’s house! It is important to note though that the concept of homestay is not new. With online vacation rental companies, travellers not only get to experience an affordable and unique stay, they can also identify facilities just like their own homes.

For property owners, this could mean renting out one’s underused room to a traveller. Besides being a way of earning some income, this gives the host a chance to interact with guests in terms of exchanging cultural experiences and learning more about the traveller’s home country. The host will surely go out of his way to make the guest home away from home by highlighting the particular uniqueness of the host area.

Notably, some concerns have been raised. One is a health-related concern. If you’re clear about your guest’s medical history, that’s fine. But what happens if your guest has an infection from an illness that he or she is suffering from? After all Malaysia is a medical tourism hub. Security is also another concern. Some neighbours may not be very open and accepting to the idea. So property owners, it’s always good to inform your neighbour of the nature of your business. In case you didn’t know, due to the lucrativeness of the business, some people have even ventured into the homestay business full-time!

Of course, with sophisticated technology, it is incumbent to be upfront and transparent. Online homestay companies typically allow guests review their hosts and vice versa. In fact, central to the homestay experience is getting a suitable host and guest. As much as possible, online homestay companies are making this process easier.

While online homestay companies are increasingly viable, calls for the industry to be regulated have been made. This is to ensure better transparency between host and guest. Moreover, it will be easier for the tourism industry to monitor and maintain the quality of the homestay players. For instance, the tourism industry can provide updated information. Additionally, should the homestay industry be regulated, it can prevent unscrupulous persons or syndicates from exploiting the situation by taking advantage of the unwary traveller. Besides backing a web-based industry in the formulation of a standard quality of experience, regulating the industry means that hosts will be well-informed of the preferences and trends of the travellers by providing a minimum acceptable level of experience.

Like it or not, the homestay industry is here to stay… and grow. At the end of the day, travellers have rights to seek alternative forms of accommodation, as well as a comfortable stay. Hence, the homestay players have to continuously offer unique propositions and experiences that would encourage travellers to continue to support the homestay business. At the same time, hosts should also play their part by being as hospitable as possible, and informing the parties that may be affected by the homestay business in order to avoid misunderstanding. There is no doubt that the online homestay industry will, in turn, generate income for the tourism industry. However, issues and concerns must be addressed and ironed out to ensure its long-term prospects and success.

SOURCES:

https://www.propertyhunter.com.my/news/2016/09/2896/international/homeaway-out-to-grow-the-homestay-market-in-asia

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/07/03/homeshares-annoy-neighbours/

https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/06/homestay-lodging-next-disruption-travel/