The tourism department is likely to start accepting applications from eligible homeowners for registration and classification of their accommodations as homestays, said the Times of India. The idea is to take tourism beyond major cities and hotels while helping households to become entrepreneurs. “Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing contributors to employment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and balanced regional development,” it quoted an official as saying. Houses, heritage homes, traditional dwellings, rural and tribal houses, and residential apartments are all eligible properties. The initiative aims to promote community-based and responsible tourism across urban, rural and tribal areas of Telangana, while generating opportunities for local cuisine, handicrafts, cultural traditions and festivals.