Previous research on rural homestays has predominantly emphasized external factors, often overlooking the personal challenges faced by hosts. While most studies have concentrated on developed countries, the unique issues in developing regions remain underexplored. This study aims to fill these two gaps by investigating the personal barriers experienced by hosts of rural homestays in Kumaon, Indian Himalayan Region. Drawing upon self-efficacy theory, this research conducts a qualitative analysis through 30 semi-structured interviews of hosts of rural homestays. The interviews are thoroughly analyzed using Gioia’s methodology. The analysis leads to three significant personal barriers – personal competency deficit, underplay of rural homestays, and dearth of professionalism. The findings highlight the psychological and professional development needs of rural hosts, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners. This study contributes to the rural tourism literature by offering a nuanced understanding of the hosts’ perspectives, which is crucial for fostering sustainable rural tourism.
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