Unified Registration Now Mandatory for All Himachal Homestays and B&Bs
In a move aimed at streamlining the state’s booming homestay sector and ensuring a safe, reliable experience for tourists, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced the new HP Homestay Rules, 2025. These rules make it mandatory for every homestay and bed-and-breakfast (B&B) unit in the state to register under a single, unified system.
The decision brings much-needed clarity to a rapidly growing sector. According to Jagdish Sharma, Shimla’s District Tourism Development Officer, the new rules have been officially notified and will apply uniformly across all districts. “The objective is clear: to create a reliable framework for guests and a level playing field for hosts. No unit will be allowed to operate without this new registration,” Sharma stated.
What Does This Mean for Existing Homestays?
For the thousands of families and entrepreneurs already running registered accommodations, the transition is designed to be smooth. The government has provided a 30-day window for all existing units—whether registered under older state schemes or popular national programs like Incredible India—to apply for fresh registration through an online portal.
In a significant relief for current operators, no registration fee will be charged until their existing registration expires. After that, continuation will be subject to the provisions of the new 2025 rules.
Addressing a Long-Standing Gap
The need for such a system has been evident for some time. Currently, Himachal Pradesh is home to an estimated 4,800 to 5,000 homestay-type units, offering a staggering 1.7 lakh beds. However, a substantial number of these operate under various national schemes, leaving the state government without a clear picture of their scale or location.
“This gap has made it challenging to ensure consistent standards for guest safety, fair taxation, waste management, and sustainable tourism, especially in ecologically sensitive areas,” explained a senior tourism official. The new, consolidated state database aims to solve this, allowing for better planning, support, and oversight.
A Call for Prompt Cooperation
Authorities are urging all homestay and B&B owners to view this not as a hurdle, but as a step towards a more organized and reputable tourism ecosystem. They emphasize that compliance is essential, and units found operating without the new registration after the grace period will face action.
Ultimately, the new rules signal Himachal’s commitment to protecting its brand as a welcoming and responsible tourist destination, ensuring that every guest’s stay is not just memorable, but also secure and well-regulated.
