Homestays are the next big thing in tourism

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In 2012 a year after my graduation with a Bachelors Degree in Travel and Tour Operations Management, Moi University, I met a friend online. He was from Antofagasta and was thrilled to learn I could speak Spanish - his native language. Upon exchanging contacts, he began calling me frequently and informed me he loved to tour various parts of the world. So he asked me to book him a hotel and organize a two week safari package for him. He even sent me enough money for that. A week later I received him at the airport. In stead of taking him to a hotel, I took him to my home and showed him the money he'd sent. Though bemused, he was glad I offered him homestay and took him around, had him interact with local community. Of course he also enjoyed safaris but what fascinated him most was being part of the local community. He enjoyed our food, culture, countryside and more. In stead of staying around for 2 weeks, he extended and was with us for 4 weeks. When he went back, our communication was even stronger. He introduced me to many of his relatives and friends. Our communication was cut short around 2015. A year later I learnt that he died in a crash. Memories of him in Kenya and communication are still fresh, and still remind me that homestays remain the next big thin in tourism. The tree he planted stands tall next to my former house - a grass thatched hut where we spent many nights.