Overview of the New Policy
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has recently approved the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and Homestay Policy-2025, a significant step aimed at enhancing accommodation options for both tourists and pilgrims visiting the state. By creating more accessible and comfortable lodging alternatives, this initiative seeks to tackle the pressing issue of accommodation shortages, especially during peak travel seasons.
The Need for Improved Accommodation
In Uttar Pradesh, prominent religious and tourism sites often face a common challenge: a lack of available hotels during peak periods. Many visitors frequently find themselves with limited, or even no, lodging options when they arrive at popular destinations. With the new homestay policy, local residents will be empowered to offer their homes for tourists, helping to alleviate this situation.
Key Features of the Policy
- Eligibility for Residents: Residents living near religious or tourist sites will be permitted to register their homestays.
- Room Capacity: Each homestay can have 1 to 6 rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 beds.
- Duration of Stay: Tourists can stay for up to 7 consecutive days, with options for extensions through a renewal process.
- Oversight Committee: The registration and approval process will be managed by a committee led by local authorities to ensure safety and compliance.
Registration Fees
As part of increasing accessibility, the policy outlines a minimal registration fee ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 750 for rural homestays, while urban and silver-category homestays require an application fee of Rs 2,000. This fee structure is designed to encourage more residents to participate in this initiative without imposing a heavy financial burden.
Support for Local Residents
To foster a supportive atmosphere for local homestay operators, the policy offers financial incentives aimed at boosting tourism through home-sharing. This not only enhances the accommodation landscape but also creates new income opportunities for residents, strengthening the local economy and infrastructure.
Addressing Cultural and Historical Attraction
Uttar Pradesh boasts a rich cultural heritage and a plethora of historical sites, making it a top travel destination for domestic and international tourists. Yet, without a state-level policy for homestays, operators previously had to navigate a tedious registration process with the central government’s NIDHI+ portal. The introduction of this policy streamlines registration, as locals can now more easily obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities.
Potential Challenges
Despite the promise of increased availability and flexibility in accommodations, the success of the homestay policy relies on effective communication and promotion to ensure it reaches a wide audience. Travelers need to be aware of the options available to them for a seamless experience when visiting the state.
Impact on Tourism and Transfers
As the homestay initiative rolls out, it’s likely to have noteworthy implications for various tourism-related services, including taxi and transfer solutions. With more accommodation choices available, travel companies can adapt their offerings to better serve tourists who may need local transport to reach homestays or explore nearby attractions.
Summary
The new homestay policy set to be implemented in Uttar Pradesh is anticipated to significantly enhance the accommodation landscape for visitors, fostering a vibrant environment for local tourism. It empowers residents, tackles accommodation shortages, and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the state.
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