Differentiate between Homestay and accommodations for rent

3 April 2025

KOTA KINABALU: There should be a clear differentiation between homestays and short-term rental accommodations, including houses and apartments targeted at tourists in urban areas. This distinction is essential to ensure that travellers have a clear understanding of what to expect from each option and to preserve the unique cultural experience that homestays offer, Datuk Joanna Kitingan said.

Joanna is very familiar with the requirement of operating a homestay as she was tasked to promote the homestay programme to villagers back in the days when she worked as a Chief Assistant Secretary with the Ministry of Tourism, culture and Environment and was sent to Pahang for homestay training in 1994.

“In the year 2000 the Sabah Homestay Programme was launched,” she shared, reiterating that she was familiar with the requirements of a Homestay.

There are people who rent out their house, apartments or rooms to tourists in the urban and suburban area that promote themselves as homestays, she said.

“A homestay is a type of accommodation in which travellers have the opportunity to stay in the home of a local resident, allowing them to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of the area. Typically, homestays provide a more personal and authentic experience, enabling guests to interact with their hosts and gain insights into local customs, cuisine, and daily routines,” she stated adding that accommodations may include meals, and the environments can range from basic rooms in a family home to more structured setups featuring several guest rooms.

According to her, homestays can certainly play a significant role in eco-tourism. Eco-tourism prioritises responsible exploration of natural areas, environmental conservation, and the enhancement of local communities’ well-being. Homestays contribute to ecotourism by offering sustainable lodging options that bolster local economies, reduce environmental impact compared to larger hotels, and foster cultural exchange.

“By opting for a homestay, travellers not only support local businesses but also have the opportunity to engage in environmental conservation efforts,” she stressed.

On the other hand, accommodation in urban areas that offer short term rentals for houses, apartments or rooms should not pass themselves off as Homestay as most don’t offer more than accommodations in term or local cultural immersion.

“These are often entire properties like apartments, homes, or rooms specifically designed for tourists, focusing on providing amenities and comfort, but may not reflect the local culture as closely as homestays,” she said, adding that they can use anything to label their accommodations except for calling it Homestay.

Datuk Japiril Suhaimin, the chairman of the Kundasang Tourism and Culture Association (KTCA), expressed his agreement by stating that while these operators may label their accommodations as Bed and Breakfast (BnB), Home Away from Home (HaH), or similar terms, they should not be classified as homestays.

“However, the demand for such accommodations is significant, and we must ensure that we do not close them down or strip away their sources of income. Instead, we ought to integrate them into the broader tourism sector,” he emphasised.

He suggested that the homestay associations should convene with the relevant authorities to discuss these issues. It’s important to establish a classification that allows these operators to be recognised for what they offer, but distinctly separate from the definition of homestays.

“We do require such accommodations for families who need to stay in a house for a few days when they are attending events in the area. These guests may seek lodging without the additional programmes typically associated with homestays,” he noted.

By fostering this dialogue, Datuk Japiril believes that they can pave the way for a more inclusive approach to tourism that meets diverse needs while maintaining the integrity of the homestay concept.