Homestays in India are becoming increasingly popular, driven by the rise of experiential and cultural tourism, particularly in offbeat areas. Several states are fostering this trend to boost tourism. The Uttar Pradesh government recently approved the Homestay and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Policy 2025, which aims to promote tourism, enhance service standards, and generate employment by improving accommodation options throughout the state.
This decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. After the meeting, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna briefed reporters, stating, "Uttar Pradesh is globally renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and attracts a significant number of both domestic and international tourists every year. This policy is designed to elevate the tourism experience while supporting local economic development."
The initiative seeks to enhance the travel experience for devotees and tourists visiting the diverse religious and cultural landmarks throughout Uttar Pradesh. Recognising the growing influx of visitors, the Tourism Department implemented this new policy to address the frequent challenges of accommodation shortages, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic. Many hotels often reach full capacity during peak seasons, which can leave travellers with few, if any, suitable lodging options.
To mitigate this issue, the new policy encourages local residents to participate in the tourism sector by offering their homes as homestay accommodations. This approach not only increases the available lodging options but also promotes cultural exchange and allows visitors to experience the hospitality and traditions of the region firsthand.
Locals will have the opportunity to participate in the new policy by registering homestays in rural areas. A small registration fee will be charged, ranging from INR 500 to INR 750. For urban homestays and those categorised as "silver," the application fee is set at INR 2,000. Additionally, the policy allows individuals living near religious or tourist sites to register a homestay unit that can have one to six rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 beds.
Tourists can utilise the homestay facility for up to seven consecutive days, with an option to extend their stay through a renewal process, Khanna announced during the press briefing. The registration and approval of homestays will be managed by a committee led by the district magistrate and the superintendent of police to ensure safety and compliance. Khanna also mentioned that the new policy includes financial support and incentives to encourage residents to offer portions of their homes for tourism purposes.
The new policy will simplify the registration process for individuals interested in operating homestays. Previously, there was no state-level policy in place, operators had to register through the Central Government's NIDHI+ portal. With this new policy, homestay operators can now register more easily by obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from local authorities.
Homestays are taking off in India with travellers increasingly looking for authentic and personalised accommodations, resulting in a surge in demand for homestays, particularly in rural areas. This trend benefits both rural communities and visitors, promoting sustainable tourism and providing unique cultural experiences.
By tapping into the resources of the local community, the initiative aims to create a more welcoming atmosphere for both domestic and international travellers while supporting the local economy.
