SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Institutions: Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture
This report offers a strategic, state-level assessment and policy roadmap to nurture Indiaβs burgeoning homestay and B&B sector. Drawing on WTTC data, it emphasizes tourismβs economic ascent - domestic travel contributing βΉ21.15 lakh crore and employing 4.3 crore individuals in 2024 - with projections showing a doubling of both by 2034.
The study notes that homestays, reflecting evolving traveller preferences for immersive and sustainable experiences, face inconsistent regulation - registration steps range from three in Goa to six in other states, with validity varying from one to five years, causing delays of up to six months. It advocates for a light-touch, transparent framework that balances ease-of-entry for hosts with tourist safety and heritage preservation.
Key recommendations include establishing a centralised digital portal for registration and compliance, destination-level fiscal incentives (tiered by tourism potential), and capacity building through training and digital platform integration. The report underscores homestays' role in fostering inclusive, culturally anchored tourism and rural entrepreneurship - calling for harmonised policy design, digital enablement, and institutional support to unlock sectoral potential
Follow the full report here:
https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-08/Rethinking-Homestays-Navigating-Policy-Pathways.pdf