Shimla: In a significant move aimed at strengthening tourism and supporting small hospitality entrepreneurs, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday launched the State’s dedicated homestay registration portal, enabling homeowners to register their homestays online from the comfort of their homes. The portal, designed to be simple and user-friendly, marks a major step towards easing regulatory processes and promoting self-employment through tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the State Government is committed to providing maximum facilitation to homestay operators and hotel owners to ensure that their businesses are not adversely affected by procedural hurdles. He made it clear that hospitality entrepreneurs should not be harassed in the name of objections and unnecessary clearances, as tourism remains one of the most important pillars of Himachal Pradesh’s economy.
Addressing a long-standing concern of hotel and homestay operators, Chief Minister Sukhu directed that the renewal of homestay registrations should not be stalled due to delays in obtaining Fire No Objection Certificates (NOC). He instructed the Tourism Department to grant provisional registration in such cases, allowing hotels and homestays to continue operations smoothly while completing formalities. The move is expected to provide immediate relief to many operators, particularly small and family-run establishments.
The Chief Minister said that keeping in view the vast tourism potential of the State, the homestay scheme was launched to generate self-employment and promote sustainable tourism. He explained that the initiative aims to encourage rural tourism by drawing visitors towards lesser-known and unexplored destinations, thereby distributing tourism benefits more evenly across the State.
He noted that tourism makes a significant contribution to the State’s revenue, and in order to expand livelihood opportunities, the present government has widened the scope of the homestay scheme to include urban areas as well. Under the policy, homestays with a maximum of six rooms can be registered, making it accessible to ordinary households seeking additional income.
Highlighting the economic and cultural advantages of homestays, the Chief Minister said that while tourists enjoy quality accommodation and a homely experience, homeowners benefit from earning a steady income without leaving their homes. He added that serving local cuisine further enhances the appeal of homestays, as visitors, especially domestic and foreign tourists, prefer authentic food and cultural experiences. Traditional houses built in old architectural styles, he said, are particularly attractive to international visitors seeking a glimpse of local heritage.
Chief Minister Sukhu also informed that the State Government has introduced an interest subsidy scheme under the homestay policy to encourage wider participation. Under this scheme, interest subsidies of 3 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural areas and 5 percent in tribal regions are being provided. The subsidy is applicable on term loans taken for setting up, expanding or upgrading tourism units, making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in the hospitality sector.
The launch of the online homestay portal, along with policy measures such as provisional registration and interest subsidies, reflects the State Government’s focus on simplifying regulations, supporting local businesses and leveraging tourism as a key driver of employment and economic growth in Himachal Pradesh.
