Delhi to revive homestay scheme, letting residents host tourists

The Delhi government is getting ready to relaunch its long-dormant Mattress and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, permitting residents to lease out a portion of their properties to tourists, in line with a TOI report. The tourism division is learning Goa’s profitable Homestay and B&B Coverage to undertake its finest practices — aiming to chop crimson tape, simplify verification and registration, and assist residents generate earnings whereas providing inexpensive lodging for guests.

First launched in 2007 beneath the Congress authorities, the initiative operates beneath the NCT of Delhi (Unbelievable India) Mattress and Breakfast Institutions (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2007. It was designed to advertise community-based tourism and broaden price range lodging choices within the metropolis.

As of July 2023, 2,200 rooms throughout 432 properties — largely in south Delhi — have been registered beneath the scheme. Nevertheless, the programme misplaced momentum through the years on account of delayed renewals, sluggish processing of recent purposes, and stiff competitors from price range resorts and on-line rental platforms.

Beneath the scheme, owners can lease out between one and 5 rooms, supplied they dwell on the premises. Solely two-thirds of the property can be utilized for visitors. Every room should embody an connected toilet and primary facilities, whereas properties should adjust to security and cleanliness requirements, together with CCTV protection and ample parking.

Gold & silver rankings for properties

As soon as an utility is submitted, a classification committee visits the property to assign both a gold or silver ranking. Gold-rated properties are anticipated to supply further comforts reminiscent of telephones, fridges, washing machines, and higher safety. Registration certificates are legitimate for 3 years.

TOI additional reported that house owners are additionally required to keep up visitor information, report customer particulars to authorities each fortnight, confirm employees via the police, and show registration and tariff particulars prominently.

A Delhi authorities official acknowledged that Goa’s coverage is extra business-friendly, offering a mannequin Delhi may emulate. “Goa gives incentives like one-time monetary grants, promotional help via its tourism platforms, advertising support, skilled coaching, and publicity visits for hosts,” the official mentioned. “Delhi’s model has up to now lacked any monetary backing or promotional funding.”

Plans for modernisation & incentives

Whereas the main points are nonetheless being finalised, officers mentioned the brand new model of Delhi’s scheme will deal with enhancing service high quality, cleanliness, and cultural authenticity. The federal government can also be contemplating decreasing the registration process from one month to a fortnight and integrating visitor rankings and high quality grading for registered institutions.

It stays unclear whether or not monetary incentives will probably be launched. “The plan continues to be within the preparatory stage, so the choice on subsidies or grants has not been taken,” the official informed the information oulet.