Exploring how Kerala’s model could inform Nagaland’s approach to public rest houses and tourism
As Nagaland invests in infrastructure and rest houses across the state, Kerala’s success in opening government rest houses to the public offers a compelling model. In 2021, the Kerala government launched an initiative to allow public access to Public Works Department (PWD) rest houses, equipped with an online booking system to streamline access and boost revenue. Since then, these facilities have generated over Rs 19 crore, according to The New Indian Express.
PA Mohamed Riyas, Kerala’s Minister for Public Works and Tourism, stated that opening up the PWD rest houses has “radically altered the state’s domestic hospitality sector,” creating affordable and convenient accommodations for tourists while adding a new revenue stream.
Nagaland’s government has recently inaugurated several rest houses. For instance, the VIP Legislators’ Wing Assembly Rest House in Dimapur was opened by Speaker Sharingain Longkumer on January 16, 2023, while a General Administration Rest House in Mokokchung was inaugurated on April 14, 2023, by CAWD & Taxes Advisor Kudecho Khamo. Facilities at the Dzükou trekking point and Bhandari, among others, mark the state’s commitment to infrastructure. However, unlike Kerala, these rest houses remain limited for public access and almost all rest houses remain underused.
Kerala has transformed its 156 rest houses, now with over 1,200 rooms available for public use, by introducing centralized online booking and CCTV surveillance for added safety. Tourism expert Jose Dominic, former chairman of the CGH Group, told TNIE that these accessible accommodations have “become the backbone of Kerala tourism.” Facilities such as the heritage Fort Kochi rest house now draw budget-conscious tourists interested in historical sites and culture.
According to Dominic, these rest houses provide an affordable option for travelers while tapping into underutilized government assets. “Opening them up to the general public has been a milestone for the state’s tourism sector,” he stated, emphasizing that even budget and youth travellers benefit from these safe and well-maintained accommodations.
While Nagaland has yet to implement a similar initiative, such a move could also align with Nagaland’s broader tourism goals, allowing local communities to participate in and benefit from the tourism sector. Online bookings, proper security measures, and budget pricing would make these facilities accessible and potentially attractive for both domestic and international travelers. As Nagaland considers ways to enhance tourism, Kerala’s model serves as a practical example of how government assets can be leveraged to support tourism while generating revenue.