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Prayagraj is set to witness the implementation of Uttar Pradesh's overhauled Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Homestay Policy 2025, aiming to establish approximately 800 new registered homestay-cum-B&B units in the city. The initiative, overseen by the state's tourism department, intends to enhance accommodation infrastructure, especially around religious and tourist hotspots. It replaces the earlier paying guest model with a formalised framework that mandates safety features, owner occupancy, limited room capacity, and cultural engagement. The registration process is being eased for interested residents, with nominal registration fees, NOC-based approvals, and structured classification into Silver and Gold categories. The policy also carries wider implications for employment generation, women empowerment, and tourism-led economic growth in the region.
The city of Prayagraj is preparing to introduce approximately 800 registered homestay-cum-B&B accommodations under the newly implemented Uttar Pradesh Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Policy 2025. This strategic move is part of the state's broader efforts to formalise and expand tourism infrastructure by offering visitors safe, culturally engaging, and locally hosted lodging options, particularly around high-footfall religious and cultural destinations. Advertisement
According to officials from the district tourism department, these accommodations will be developed across both urban and rural pockets of Prayagraj. In urban areas, homeowners will be permitted to offer between one and six rooms limited to a maximum of 12 beds while continuing to reside on the premises with their families. Breakfast service will be a mandatory inclusion. The state has made it clear that this initiative does not extend to larger commercial units such as hotels, motels, or guest houses.
In rural areas, the offering will be positioned as a "village stay" experience. Hosts will be expected to serve not just breakfast but complete meals. They are also required to maintain certain minimum standards, including essential amenities like attached toilets, running water, electricity, proper furnishings, and secure premises. The policy is designed to bring these rural accommodations up to an acceptable standard for domestic and international visitors alike.
Each homestay unit whether rural or urban must ensure comprehensive guest safety. This includes deploying at least one caretaker, installing three CCTV cameras with 90-day recording capabilities, and obtaining approval for fire safety measures from the concerned fire department. These provisions are mandatory and form part of the eligibility criteria for approval.
The registration process is being streamlined via the UP tourism department's online portal. Once applications are submitted, they are reviewed and vetted by a five-member district-level committee chaired by the district magistrate. Other members include representatives from the tourism department, municipal authority, fire department, and police administration.
Applicants will need to provide No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from local authorities and pay nominal registration fees. For urban homestays, the charges are INR 2,000 for Silver classification and INR 3,000 for Gold. In rural areas, the fees are INR 500 and INR 750 for Silver and Gold categories, respectively. These classifications will determine the level of service and facility standards.
Homeowners currently operating as paying guest providers under earlier informal setups have been given a one-year transition period to migrate to the new system and complete the registration process. The government also plans to offer financial incentives to registered homestay owners in the form of subsidies, promotional support, and potential integration with digital booking platforms in future phases.
The policy was approved by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet in the past month and is being rolled out across the state in a phased manner. Officials have indicated that the model may be replicated in other high-tourism districts such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Chitrakoot once it shows traction in Prayagraj.
District tourism officials believe the scheme will not only address the accommodation shortage during high-demand religious events like Kumbh and Magh Mela but will also provide a consistent source of income to families, especially women. Moreover, it aligns with the government's goal to blend tourism with heritage preservation and rural economic upliftment.
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