Himachal Pradesh’s new Homestay Rules-2025 aim to boost rural tourism by simplifying registration, waiving NOCs, and promoting local culture. The scheme categorizes homestays into Silver, Gold, and Diamond, offering fee discounts for women and remote areas. Amid a tourism boom, it seeks to create jobs and sustainable growth, though heavy monsoon rains pose challenges.
Himachal’s Homestay Initiative to Drive Tourism Surge
The Himachal Pradesh government has launched the Homestay Rules-2025, a transformative step to capitalize on the state’s booming tourism sector while empowering rural communities. Announced on June 26, 2025, by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, the scheme eliminates the need for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from police or panchayats, streamlining the registration process for homestay and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) operators. This move is designed to foster ease of doing business while promoting sustainable tourism in the state’s picturesque villages and valleys.
Under the new rules, homestays are categorized into Silver, Gold, and Diamond based on facilities and services, with mandatory requirements to serve authentic Himachali cuisine and showcase local handicrafts and architecture. Operators must maintain guest registers, issue verified bills, and provide online payment options to ensure transparency and safety. The government has also introduced fee concessions for women entrepreneurs and homestays in remote areas, aiming to boost inclusivity and economic growth in underserved regions.
Himachal’s tourism sector has seen significant growth, with the state attracting millions of visitors annually to destinations like Shimla, Manali, and lesser-known gems like Tirthan Valley and Chitkul. The new homestay scheme aligns with initiatives like the border tourism project in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, which opened culturally significant sites like Shipki-La and Gue Monastery to tourists in June 2025. These efforts are expected to create jobs and curb migration by providing sustainable income sources for locals.
However, the tourism boom comes with challenges. Heavy monsoon rains in June and July 2025 have caused significant disruptions, with 69 deaths reported, over 250 roads blocked, and damages exceeding Rs 400 crore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for continued heavy rainfall until July 7, urging tourists to exercise caution. Landslides and flooding, particularly in Mandi and Kullu, have raised concerns about the state’s fragile ecology, prompting calls for sustainable development.
Critics of the homestay scheme, including local operators like Anil Thakur from Kullu, argue that the new regulations impose stringent compliance norms, potentially burdening small-scale owners. Some fear that the push for “professionalism” could lead to increased costs and corruption, with unregistered homestays going off-grid. Despite these concerns, tourism officials emphasize that the rules aim to balance growth with cultural preservation and safety.
The state’s focus on rural tourism is part of a broader vision to diversify its tourism offerings. Initiatives like the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, launched by Indian Railways, promote local handlooms and produce at stations like Palampur and Baijnath Paprola, complementing the homestay push. Additionally, the relocation of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) headquarters to Dharamsala signals a strategic shift to position Kangra as the state’s tourism capital.
As Himachal navigates the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, the homestay scheme represents a bold step toward inclusive tourism. By empowering local communities and promoting authentic experiences, the state aims to sustain its tourism boom while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources like The Times of India, The Indian Express, and HimbuMail. Information is accurate as of July 4, 2025, and subject to change as new developments emerge. Always verify travel advisories before planning trips to Himachal Pradesh.