AI startup OpenStays wins two awards for helping homestays get direct bookings

OpenStays, a five-month-old AI startup that helps homestays, hotels and resorts take bookings directly from guests, has won two tourism awards in September.

Awards & Recognition
- Best Tourism Startup – Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026 (27 Sept, World Tourism Day).
- Tourism Innovation Award – FKCCI Tourism Convention (17 Sept).
- Awards presented by CM D.K. Shivakumar and Tourism Minister K.J. George, highlighting AI’s role in making tourism more inclusive and sustainable.

The Problem They Solve
- Small homestays often rely on direct calls/WhatsApp messages for bookings.
- Owners spend late nights answering repetitive questions: availability, rates, inclusions, discounts.
- Delayed replies often mean losing guests to competitors.

OpenStays’ AI Solution
- Runs on the property’s existing WhatsApp Business number.
- Replies instantly with rates, availability, house rules.
- Can negotiate politely within owner-set limits (discounts, perks like free breakfast).
- Owners stay in control: AI replies only when they choose (e.g., overnight, or after a delay).
- Guests pay directly via UPI or property’s gateway; OpenStays charges a subscription, not commission.

Next Step: Voice Assistant
- Will handle phone enquiries in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and more.
- Addresses the reality that many travellers still prefer calling over texting.

Broader Impact
- Empowers small property owners, artisans, guides, and entrepreneurs.
- Aligns with Karnataka’s vision of a connected digital tourism ecosystem.
- Makes AI not just about efficiency, but about inclusivity and sustainability.

This is a great example of how AI is being localized for India’s tourism sector, solving real-world problems for small businesses rather than just large hotel chains.