Addressing the gathering at the massive event in Goa, Deep Kalra, Founder and President, MakeMyTrip said, “The pandemic came as a test for the entire travel and tourism industry, but what stood out during this period was a ray of hope. Homestay. Today, homestays have become a preferred choice. People are looking for a home-like atmosphere at other places when they go away from home and prefer to stay in such places. We respect the grit and perseverance shown by the homestay owners, which kept the Indian travel sector alive even when all odds were going against it. These efforts from thousands of hosts have made homestays a key choice, and we look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead for us in the future.
We are confident of the immense potential of this category and look forward to investing and working with every host in the country to bring this category to the forefront.”
The winners were shortlisted after a two-month process that involved consumer voting and jury evaluation. Rani Mahal won the Consumer Favorite of the Year award; Etsy Bitsy and Aventura Fernhill selected as Unique Homestay of the Year; Ama Stages & Trails Villa Siolim named Villa of the Year; Riverland Homestay as Work-Friendly Homestay of the Year; Zostel Chitkul Hostel of the Year; Kid Friendly Homestay at Villa 123’s Stevista; SaffronStay Sundowner was awarded the Party-Perfect Homestay of the Year and The Manor Service Apartment as the Best Service Apartment of the Year. Four awards were presented under objective-based categories; Meena Bagh Ratnari Best Eco-Friendly Homestay of the Year; Heritage Homestay of the Year to Ambika Vilas of Ama Stages and Trails, Trivandrum; Chotaram Prajapat Homestay was adjudged the Best Rural Homestay of the Year; And Saujagad Homestay got the honor of Most Pet-Family Homestay of the Year. Apart from this, those people were also felicitated who helped in growing the homestay segment. Pradyuman Negi of Escape Adventure Camp was honored with the Jury Special Mention Award for offering homestay options in parts of the country that still remain untapped. Parul Sharma of Tilsherit Green was felicitated for providing the highest customer service and a memorable guest experience during the homestay.
Encouraging the winners, Rajesh Mago, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “MakeMyTrip India’s Favorite Homestay Awards are a token of appreciation and encouragement to the growing homestay community for their meaningful contribution to India’s tourism and hospitality industry. Our homes reflect our culture, our history and our diverse values. In fact, every homestay has a unique story behind it! We are confident of the immense potential of this category and look forward to investing and working with every host in the country to bring this category to the forefront.”
The winners were shortlisted after a two-month process that involved consumer voting and jury evaluation. Rani Mahal won the Consumer Favorite of the Year award; Etsy Bitsy and Aventura Fernhill selected as Unique Homestay of the Year; Ama Stages & Trails Villa Siolim named Villa of the Year; Riverland Homestay as Work-Friendly Homestay of the Year; Zostel Chitkul Hostel of the Year; Kid Friendly Homestay at Villa 123’s Stevista; SaffronStay Sundowner was awarded the Party-Perfect Homestay of the Year and The Manor Service Apartment as the Best Service Apartment of the Year. Four awards were presented under objective-based categories; Meena Bagh Ratnari Best Eco-Friendly Homestay of the Year; Heritage Homestay of the Year to Ambika Vilas of Ama Stages and Trails, Trivandrum; Chotaram Prajapat Homestay was adjudged the Best Rural Homestay of the Year; And Saujagad Homestay got the honor of Most Pet-Family Homestay of the Year. Apart from this, those people were also felicitated who helped in growing the homestay segment. Pradyuman Negi of Escape Adventure Camp was honored with the Jury Special Mention Award for offering homestay options in parts of the country that still remain untapped. Parul Sharma of Tilsherit Green was felicitated for providing the highest customer service and a memorable guest experience during the homestay.
The jury list for the awards includes industry stalwarts such as renowned author, editor and interior designer Twinkle Khanna, celebrity chef, Hemant Oberoi; architect and designer, Pinakin Patel; Vinod Zutshi, former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; The founder and CEO of Indian School of Hospitality, Dilip Puri and the Principal and Secretary, Institute of Hotel Management, Kamal Kant Pant were involved.
Disclaimer: This article has been published on behalf of MakeMyTrip by the Spotlight team of Times Internet.