New Delhi: NITI Aayog on Friday launched the ‘Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways’ report in collaboration with Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). It has prepared a strategic roadmap to develop the potential of homestays and BNB (bed and breakfast) i.e. small guest houses in India’s tourism landscape.
During the event, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Beri released the report in the presence of NITI Aayog Program Director Yugal Kishore Joshi and senior government officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and the states included in the report such as Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Industry representatives from IAMAI, ISPP, MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, Chase India and The Convergence Foundation participated in the launch.
The report highlights the role of homestays in providing culturally rich experiences to travelers. Local entrepreneurship and employment generation have been promoted. It emphasises the need for a transparent regulatory framework that ensures the safety of tourists and homeowners, protects heritage and supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The report also highlights that homestays have the unique potential to combine cultural authenticity with livelihood creation, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The report emphasises the need for flexible policy initiatives, capacity building and integration of digital platforms to empower hosts and strengthen consumer confidence.
It also includes case studies and state-level best practices to demonstrate scalable models for homestay development and governance. Prepared through extensive consultations, the report presents implementable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders and local communities, aimed at building a resilient, inclusive and heritage-conscious homestay sector in India.
Berry said, “India’s diverse geography, offering varied topographical and climatic zones, creates unique opportunities for tourism. In this scenario, homestays have a special place. They promote meaningful exchanges between tourists and hosts, enabling the co-creation of authentic and enriching travel experiences. With their personalised and human-centred approach, homestays diversify the tourism offering and promote sustainability.”
