Department of Tourism has introduced a new scheme that will increase accommodation options in the State. The scheme known as ‘Serviced Villas’ aims to provide comfortable stay facilities of standardized high quality to tourists and supplement the availability of accommodation in various tourist destinations. Apart from providing a clean and affordable place of stay for tourists, the villas will offer a never before opportunity to experience authentic Kerala at its best. If you have an independent, furnished and well-maintained home, here’s your opportunity to be part of this one-of-a-kind owner friendly scheme.

Eligibility for participating in this scheme

• The Serviced Villa should be an independent, furnished home, preferably built in the traditional Kerala architectural style within the State, making available a minimum of one room and maximum of 6 rooms or 12 beds for guests.
• A well-equipped kitchen with a cook who is well-versed in the Kerala cuisine.
• A qualified person who is able to communicate in English and be of help to the guests.
• The establishment should abide by the terms and conditions constituted by the Government and should fulfil the requirements envisaged in the checklist.

Approval committee for Serviced Villas

Fee for approval / renewal of Serviced Villas

The fee for approval or renewal of Serviced Villa is Rs. 3,500/-

Terms and conditions for approval / renewal 

Approval will be issued only for an operational Serviced Villa, which satisfies the eligibility criteria stated below:

• Approval or renewal will be done by the classification committee and by an on-site evaluation of the facilities and services.
• The chairman and any 3 members of the committee will constitute the quorum.
• All cases of approval would be finalised within 2 months from the date of receipt of the application, provided the application is complete in all respects.
• Once a unit applies for approval, it should be ready for inspection by the committee at any time without prior notice. No request for deferment will be entertained.
• Approval will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue of the certificate, or in case of renewal, from the date of expiry of the last approval, provided the application has been received at least three months before the expiry of the last approval.
• All applications for approval / renewal must be complete in all respects including the formal application form, fee for approval / renewal, prescribed clearances, certificates, NOCs, checklist etc. An incomplete application is liable to be rejected.
• The fee for approval / renewal should be paid by way of Demand Draft in favour of “Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala”, payable at Thiruvananthapuram. The fee is not refundable in case of rejection of approval / renewal.
• In case of rejection by the Approval Committee, a unit may appeal to the apex committee, which is chaired by Secretary-Tourism, within 30 days from the date of receipt of the communication regarding a final decision on approval / renewal.
• Approved units are expected to invariably maintain required standards at all times. The Approval Committee could inspect the unit at any time without prior notice. Any deficiencies will be reported to the Department of Tourism which is free to take any action including cancellation of approval.
• Any deficiencies pointed out by the committee will have to be complied within the stipulated time. Failure to do so will result in rejection of the application.
• Any changes in facilities available in the unit shall be reported to the Convenor of the Approval Committee through the District Officer, Department of Tourism within 30 days.
• Due preference will be accorded to units which are able to provide the Kerala experience by way of construction, decor and authentic Kerala cuisine.
• The rate for taxes of property, electricity and water to be paid for approved units will be those prescribed by the appropriate authorities.
• Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala reserves the right to modify the guidelines / terms and conditions from time to time.

Security parameters to be adopted by the operators

• All classified units are liable to file “Form C” with passport details of the guests, to the concerned Police Station while accommodating both foreign and domestic guests. In the case of a domestic guest, a valid photo identification card would suffice in lieu of passport.
• An Occupation Register should be kept invariably in all the units, in which the following details of both foreign and domestic guests should be recorded.
  1. Name & address
  2. No. of pax
  3. Date and time of check-in
  4. Allotted room no.
  5. Purpose of visit
  6. Nationality
  7. Passport no. / Valid photo-ID card no. and issuing authority
  8. Date and time of check-out
  9. Signature of the guest
• The above details along with a copy of the identification document should be furnished “online” to the Department of Tourism on a day-to-day basis, marking a copy to the Local Station Officer of Police Department. Along with this, a copy of the identification document should be kept in the property as well.
• Any instance of non-compliance of these provisions will cause an automatic withdrawal of approval from the Department of Tourism.
• A security audit should be carried out once in six months by the Police authorities.
• The responsibility for any kind of misuse of the Serviced Villa scheme will be fixed on the person / company who runs the establishment.

Benefits for Serviced Villa operators

• Earning additional income other than regular income and sustained employment.
• Use of Kerala Tourism Brand for marketing.
• Marketing support from Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Support from Department of Tourism in capacity building.
• Service of Investment Support Cell (ISC) in getting loans, technical guidance, marketing guidance etc.

Documents to be submitted along with the application

• Prescribed application form duly filled in.
• Proof of ownership / lease of the building.
• Location plan showing access to the building from the major roads (need not be scale)
• Plan and elevation of the building.
• Photographs of the building, including interiors.
• Police Clearance Certificate from the Local Station House Officer.
• Necessary licence issued from Local body.
• Pro forma of acceptance of regulatory conditions.

Checklist of facilities

• M-Mandatory • D-Desirable