STAYHATS PORTAL

Kerala HATS and Zotel.ai Launch Stayhats.com: Kerala’s Own Booking Portal Championing Authentic, Community-Driven Tourism

Kochi, Kerala – September 27, 2025 – The Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (Kerala HATS), in collaboration with Zotel.ai, proudly announces the official launch of Stayhats.com, a homegrown booking platform dedicated to Kerala’s homestays, villas, farm stays, and tent stays. The new portal will be inaugurated by Sri. P. Rajeev, Hon. Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, Government of Kerala, at BTH Hotel, Ernakulam.

A Distinctly Keralan Initiative

Stayhats.com stands apart from conventional Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) as a community-driven, Kerala-focused platform. Built by and for Kerala’s vibrant hospitality sector, it eliminates heavy commissions, ensuring fair earnings for hosts while giving travelers direct, transparent, and authentic experiences.

What Makes Stayhats.com Different?

• Kerala-Focused: Dedicated exclusively to showcasing Kerala’s unique tourism offerings.

• Expansive Destinations: Covers multiple destinations, including lesser-known gems.

• No Hefty Commissions: Hosts retain more of their revenue, fueling local economies.

• Community-Driven: Built on principles of empowerment, sustainability, and fair digital growth.

Backed by Zotel.ai’s AI-powered hospitality technology, the platform supports property owners with tools for automation, visibility, and seamless guest engagement — simplifying operations and boosting bookings.

Benefits for Travelers

Stayhats.com offers travelers a wide range of choices — from luxury villas and traditional homestays to eco-friendly tent stays and farm experiences. Each booking provides not just accommodation, but a chance to connect deeply with Kerala’s culture, people, and landscapes.

Benefits for Property Owners

For hosts, the platform brings enhanced visibility, easy-to-use technology, and higher direct earnings. It ensures that Kerala’s small and mid-scale hospitality entrepreneurs remain competitive in the digital travel market while preserving their cultural identity.

Kerala HATS: Sixteen Years of Leadership in Tourism

Since its founding in 2008, Kerala HATS has been a pillar of community-based tourism in Kerala, promoting homestays, service villas, and rural tourism. Starting with just 300 participants at its first conference inaugurated by former Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Kerala HATS has grown to 58 destination committees and over 1,760 members across the state.

Its efforts, in partnership with the Responsible Tourism Mission, have elevated the standards of homestays — increasing classified homestays from 360 pre-COVID to over 3,263 today. Kerala HATS continues to champion responsible, sustainable tourism through training, research, and advocacy.

A Movement Towards Responsible Tourism

Stayhats.com is more than a booking portal — it is a movement to preserve Kerala’s hospitality heritage, support local livelihoods, and promote sustainable tourism. By blending tradition with technology, it ensures that Kerala’s tourism future is authentic, fair, and globally competitive.

About Kerala HATS
The Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (Kerala HATS) is a statewide collective of homestays and small tourism providers committed to community-based tourism, fair opportunities, and cultural preservation.

About Zotel.ai
Zotel.ai is a Kerala-based hospitality technology company offering AI-driven solutions for independent properties. Its platform empowers partners with tools for automation, direct bookings, and digital growth — helping them compete with large OTAs.

Media Contact:
Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (Kerala HATS)
Website: www.homestaykerala.org
Booking Portal: www.stayhats.com