Hyderabad, Aug. 11 -- Telangana is preparing to launch a dedicated homestay scheme that will enable homeowners to host tourists in their residences, opening up a new source of income for families through the tourism sector, reports said on Tuesday, August 11.

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. According to the report, applications would be disposed of in 30 working days, and the registration would be valid for two years, with the government playing a facilitator.

"Tourism has b...