Property owners residing in small towns, villages, or bustling metropolitan cities across India can leverage a government initiative to generate a steady monthly income through the tourism sector. Managed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments scheme allows individuals with suitable residential spaces to convert them into certified homestays, catering to both domestic and international travelers seeking clean, affordable, and home-like accommodations.
Key Objectives and Advantages of the Scheme
The primary aim of this initiative is to classify and standardize high-quality Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation facilities across states and Union Territories, particularly in regions where no official homestay classification system previously existed. Joining the framework offers several distinct benefits for property owners
- Official Grading: After setting up the homestay, a Regional Classification Committee evaluates the facility and categorizes it into either the Silver or Gold class based on established quality parameters.
- Government Promotion: Approved establishments are listed in the official directory of the Ministry of Tourism. The government actively promotes these classified homestays, significantly enhancing their market visibility and credibility among travelers.
- Increased Demand: Inclusion in the official registry builds trust among domestic and overseas tourists, leading to higher booking rates and regular earnings.
- Hospitality Training: Operators receive professional hospitality training from the government, enabling them to deliver standardized, high-quality services to guests.
Eligibility Criteria and Operational Rules
To ensure uniform quality and proper governance, the Ministry of Tourism mandates specific operational guidelines that every participating homestay must satisfy
- Ownership Requirement: The applicant must be the lawful owner or promoter of the property. However, the owner is not permitted to reside at the homestay premises.
- On-Site Operator: To manage daily operations and assist guests, the owner must appoint a dedicated agent or operator who resides permanently at the homestay location.
- Room and Bed Capacity: The property must offer at least 1 room for guest accommodation. A maximum of 6 rooms can be allocated for tourists within a single establishment, with total guest capacity capped at 12 beds.
- Service Standards and Pricing: The facility must operate on a traditional B&B model. While declaring the specific breakfast menu in advance is not mandatory, the operator must provide all essential amenities and clearly inform guests about all applicable service charges beforehand.
Step-by-Step Online Registration Process
Property owners can complete the entire application procedure digitally through the designated government portal by following these steps
- Navigate to the official portal at wvvw.hotelclould.nic.in.
- Select the appropriate classification category (Silver or Gold) and complete the online application form with all required details.
- Upload all prescribed supporting documents and fulfill the online checklist wherever applicable.
- Make the mandatory application fee payment strictly through digital payment modes, then submit the application for government approval.
- For extension or renewal of an existing approval, submit the extension application online through the same portal and pay the required fee digitally.
Once submitted, the Ministry of Tourism processes the application in accordance with the established scheme guidelines and grants classification upon successful verification.
