Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation in the region, organised a two-day hospitality management training programme for homestay owners and a women’s catering group from Majrabari, Rangapani, and Daodhara villages within the Manas Landscape. The training, aimed at boosting local tourism infrastructure, was held on 11th and 12th September at Aaranyak’s Manas Conservation and Outreach Centre in Bhuyanpara, Baksa.
Resource persons Rehan Ali from IORA Retreat, Kohora, and Puneswar Dadhara from Aranya Lodge, Kohora, led the programme, guiding participants through key areas of hospitality, including room management, kitchen operations, and sustainable cooking practices. The training also focused on maintaining hygiene, pricing meals, and delivering a positive guest experience.
The practical sessions allowed participants to cook both traditional and non-traditional dishes, underlining the importance of offering authentic local cuisine. Rehan Ali highlighted that guests often seek homestays to experience the traditional life of the host communities, making the inclusion of local delicacies an essential part of the service.
The participants also received hands-on experience in making guest beds and managing rooms. Rahul Basumatary, a homestay owner from Rangapani, expressed his gratitude for the programme, stating that it helped him better understand how to organise and manage his homestay effectively.
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In a press release, Aaranyak emphasised the significance of alternative livelihood practices for communities living near critical wildlife habitats, stating that such practices allow them to reduce their dependence on forests while earning income through nature tourism. Community-based tourism offers these forest-fringe residents an opportunity to host nature enthusiasts, contributing to both their income and conservation efforts.
Aaranyak’s team, comprising Dr Jayanta Kumar Sarma, Swapan Kr Das, Bijay Basumatary, Barnali Baro, Pankaj Das, and Partha Sarathi Ghose, facilitated the programme at the Manas Conservation and Outreach Centre. The initiative is part of Aaranyak’s broader efforts to support indigenous communities through sustainable livelihood activities, education, and conservation programmes, with support from IUCN-KfW.
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