Dehradun: Uttarakhand, known as a major tourism destination, has taken significant steps to regulate its homestay sector and promote rural tourism. With over 6,000 registered homestays in the state, Nainital tops the list, followed by Dehradun and Pithoragarh.
The Tourism Department has revised rules under the Uttarakhand Tour and Travel Business Policy 2014, merging the homestay scheme with the Bed & Breakfast program and mandating that all tourism-related businesses must register and renew every five years.
Key Changes for Hotels and Homestays
- All tourism-related businesses, including hotels, motels, adventure activities, tent colonies, spas, and health resorts, must now register under the Tour & Travel policy.
- Homestays are now included in mandatory registration.
- Registration must be renewed every five years, not just a one-time process.
- Bed & Breakfast scheme has been introduced for urban and commercial tourism ventures.
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Focus Shifts to Rural Tourism
According to Poonam Chand, Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB):
- The homestay scheme’s primary objective is to promote tourism in rural areas and showcase local culture and heritage.
- Urban areas saw higher homestay popularity, often operated by outsiders hiring caretakers, which did not fulfill the scheme’s purpose.
- New regulations make homestays exclusive for permanent residents of Uttarakhand, who must operate homestays in their own homes.
- Outsiders or those running homestays through caretakers must now register under the Bed & Breakfast scheme.
Benefits and Compliance
- Homestay owners in rural areas continue to enjoy tax and utility relaxations provided under the scheme.
- Registration ensures eligibility for government benefits and helps track tourism activity.
- Hotels and homestays must comply with renewal requirements every five years, ensuring updated records and adherence to rules.
- Strict enforcement measures will be taken to ensure compliance, including action against violations.
Homestay Statistics in Uttarakhand
- Total registered homestays: 6,000
- Top districts:
- Nainital – Highest number of homestays
- Dehradun – Second highest
- Pithoragarh – Third highest
- Nainital – Highest number of homestays
Policy Impact
- Encourages rural tourism and local economic development.
- Ensures homestay benefits reach genuine Uttarakhand residents.
- Strengthens quality and regulation of the tourism sector.
- Urban homestays now operate under the Bed & Breakfast scheme, aligning with national policies.
The Uttarakhand government’s updated tourism policy is a significant step toward structured and sustainable tourism growth. By focusing on rural homestays and enforcing registration and renewal processes, the state aims to promote local culture, support residents, and ensure regulated tourism development.
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