Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 22: The Goa tourism department has announced that it will start disbursing grants under the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast scheme to women entrepreneurs within the next three days. The initiative aims to promote tourism beyond traditional hotspots while empowering local communities.

Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said that 100 women beneficiaries will be supported this year under the scheme. As part of the Sewa Pakhwada programme, he handed over grant letters to three women running Neerja Residency in Sattari, Cozy Home in Ponda, and Jungle Trails in Sancorda, who will be the first to benefit.

The grant, amounting to Rs 2 lakh for each selected homestay, is intended to help cover expenses on furniture and furnishings, enabling operators to standardise services in line with industry benchmarks.

“Homestays don’t just support households, they uplift entire village communities. The first three women beneficiaries will receive their grants in the coming three days,” Khaunte said.

Alongside this initiative, the tourism and IT departments also felicitated 30 women innovators and entrepreneurs, including lifeguards, citizen service centres, and drone operators, in recognition of their contributions.