NITI Aayog suggests single-window clearance system for homestay registration to boost tourism

The Aayog in a report titled ‘Rethinking Homestays Navigating Coverage Pathways’ urged that the registration course of for homestays could also be streamlined, requiring solely important paperwork equivalent to possession proof, applicant identification, and GST registration.

On-line lodging platforms Airbnb and MakeMyTrip have been additionally concerned in preparation of the report.

“Set up a single-window clearance system for homestay registration,” it stated.

The report was launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery.

The report additionally referred to as for institution of a central nodal company to streamline communication throughout departments and facilitate coordination between varied stakeholders to make sure a unified strategy to coverage implementation, advertising and marketing, and useful resource allocation for encouraging homestays. “Monetary incentives could also be based mostly on selling tourism on the vacation spot stage quite than focusing solely on particular person homestay facilities or classifications,” the report added. Based on the report, collaborative advertising and marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns ought to be undertaken by the state authorities to spotlight the distinctive choices of underdeveloped areas, with a deal with how homestays can present genuine, community-driven journey experiences that appeal to each home and worldwide guests. It additionally emphasised the necessity for light-touch, clear regulatory frameworks that guarantee the protection of vacationers and householders, defend heritage, and help inclusive and sustainable financial development.

Studies recommend that the homestay market in India reached market gross sales income of Rs 4,722 crore in 2024.

Following the financial slowdown throughout the pandemic, the tourism sector in India has undergone a significant restoration, pushed considerably by booming home tourism and accompanied by developments such because the rising propensity for travellers to decide on experiential travel and fewer explored locations, it stated.

Because the sector continues on its development path, robust future prospects may be unlocked by tapping into the alternatives introduced by these developments.

Alternative accommodation equivalent to homestays is one such alternative that has immense financial potential, and an growing capacity to complement the large development in India’s tourism sector, the report stated.