Himachal overhauls ‘Home Stay’ norms to curb B&B proliferation

Himachalscape bureau February 18, 2025 3 minutes read

Photo used for indicative purpose only Source: Internet

Shimla, Feb 18,

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To make the hospitality industry competitive and rein in the unchecked proliferation of bed-and-breakfast (B&B) and home stay units in urban areas, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced changes for these units, withdrawing several long-standing relaxations.

The new “Himachal Pradesh Home Stay Rules, 2025” have been published in the Rajpatra (e-Gazette) and signal a major overhaul in the regulation of private lodging facilities across the state.

Under the revised framework, all private houses wishing to operate as home stays must register through an online e-Services Portal. The move comes as State authorities aim to impose strict standards on accommodation quality, hygiene, and safety while curbing the rapid mushrooming of unregulated home stays in urban areas.

A key aspect of the notification is the dramatic hike in registration fees. In what industry insiders are calling a “300-fold increase” from previous rates, the fee structure has been sharply redefined. Registration is now divided into two distinct slabs: for establishments with four to six rooms, fees are set at ₹12,000 per annum in Municipal Corporation limits, ₹8,000 in areas governed by TCP/SADA/NP bodies, and ₹6,000 in Gram Panchayat regions. Smaller units with one to three rooms are charged lower fees—₹8,000, ₹5,000, and ₹3,000 respectively—with renewal fees matching the initial registration charges. Additionally, a discount of 10% is offered for three-year registrations, while a further 5% concession is extended to women owners, as defined under the new rules.

Officials explained that these measures are intended not only to elevate service quality and tourist safety but also to discourage operators from exploiting lax regulatory norms that had previously fueled an uncontrolled boom in urban home stays. “This is a step towards ensuring that tourism accommodation meets the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and accountability,” said an official from the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation.

The rules also mandate a series of compliance requirements, including the installation of CCTV cameras in common areas, maintenance of detailed registers and bill books, and periodic inspections by authorized officers. Operators are required to furnish a structural stability certificate and comply with strict building standards, ensuring that all facilities are safe and well-maintained.

Existing tourism units registered under earlier schemes, such as the Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Establishments, are required to re-register under the new regime within 30 days of the notification’s publication. Failure to comply may result in penalties and even the cancellation of the home stay’s registration.

Noteworthy that various Homestay associations tatwide have excpressed their di content with the new regulation. The Bed & Breakfast and Home Stay Owners Association based in Shimla has strongly opposed the Himachal Pradesh government’s newly proposed regulations, citing excessive financial and administrative burdens that could severely impact small hospitality businesses. GM Wani, President of the association, has raised concern regarding the sharp increase in registration fees, additional compliance requirements, and the imposition of commercial tariffs on utilities.

Also read: Home Stay operators sound alarm over proposed policy changes

Critics argue that while the stringent measures may streamline operations and protect tourists, the steep fee hike could force many smaller operators out of business.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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