In preparation for Lesotho’s first ever international marathon dubbed ‘The Mountain Marathon 21’ from Ha Noosi village to Melele Stadium in Qacha’s Nek, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has encouraged the local community to register for the rural homestays accommodation programme.
This after a research made by LTDC suggested that there is going be a shortage of accommodation at guest houses and hotels, hence an opportunity for community members to provide alternative accommodation for the throngs of people envisaged to flock for the event.
Interested people will have to register with LTDC and be guided on what is required to provide such accommodation.
Homestay tourism can be defined as a type of rural tourism in which tourists reside with local families. This allows guests to experience rural lifestyles, immerse themselves in local culture and spend time in rural areas. This type of accommodation does not require licencing like others.
Apart from that, rural homestays are an experiential tourism product which plays a vital role in rural tourism and also in rural development. These rural homestays do not just provide accommodation, but also authentic local experience, opportunities to interact with locals, experience the rural lifestyle, as well as get to know the art, craft, food, culture and tradition of the rural areas.
The homestays are an integral part of the community, as they support the rural population with economic and social strength. This in a way helps to support development of rural tourism in the country.
Addressing the community at the police station area, Qacha’s Nek, during a recent media tour, LTDC information officer, Polo Nqhae, advised that a rural homestay should have a safe environment, an essence of rural lifestyle which appeals and satisfies the tourist.
Among others, Nqhae informed the community about the significance of having rural homestays for accommodating guests and how to take care of them.
She also guided them on things to consider in order to make a rural homestay attractive.
“The room does not necessarily have to be fancy as long as it is clean; you don’t need to buy new stuff such as sheets but you can use the ones you already have. You don’t need a new bed but rather you can use your clean mattress prepared with clean sheets.
“I know as Basotho, we understand what is meant by taking care of a guests, such as reserving their own things whenever they are there.
“We know how to practise good hygiene such as clean surroundings, and clean toilets free from pests. In short, rural homestay is what we live daily and it is what we always practise whenever we have guests; there is no need to be buy new staff,” Nqhae said. Besides rural homestays, there will be other business opportunities opened by LTDC for individuals to sell traditional meals, dried foods, handicrafts and many others.
