New Delhi: Delhi govt has unveiled a draft Bed & Breakfast Policy 2026 that seeks to promote regulated homestay-style accommodation through a simplified online registration system and self-certification regime. The move aims to supplement the city’s conventional hotel infrastructure by encouraging affordable, neighbourhood-based accommodation while also creating additional income opportunities for homeowners and caretakers.“Delhi, which is home to Unesco World Heritage sites and historic monuments and offers food streets, markets and rich cultural experience attracts a diverse set of domestic and international visitors throughout the year. Tourism preferences are evolving globally and many travellers now prefer smaller, community-based and more personalised accommodation over conventional hotels. The proposed B&B policy is aimed at creating a proper regulatory framework for such accommodation,” said a govt official.It proposes allowing residential properties to operate small-scale guest accommodation facilities with a minimum of one room and a maximum of eight rooms or 16 beds.The tourism department has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public within 30 days of May 26 through email and post for improving the draft policy in line with the requirements of the industry, the visitors and the convenience of users.The draft policy puts emphasis on guest safety, particularly of women travellers. All registered B&B units will be required to maintain verified guest records, upload guest details on the tourism department portal and comply with police verification norms. Operators will also have to install fire extinguishers, smoke or heat detectors, first aid kits and proper locking systems. CCTV coverage has also been proposed for entrance and common areas in higher-category units.“The objective is to create a safe, accountable and professionally managed homestay ecosystem where visitors, especially solo women travellers, can access affordable accommodation with greater confidence and transparency,” said an official.The B&B scheme was first introduced in 2007 in Delhi. Over the years, the scheme gradually lost momentum amid changing tourism trends and the rise of private online accommodation platforms, making it largely inactive in many parts of the city. Despite this, several such registered units continue to operate under the existing framework, particularly in residential localities.“We want to encourage neighbourhood tourism and authentic local experiences while ensuring proper standards of hygiene, safety, police verification and guest services. Since Delhi already has a strong transport connectivity through the airport, metro network and road infrastructure, the policy can help decentralise tourist accommodation beyond traditional hotel clusters. It can also generate supplementary household income, promote inclusive tourism and support sustainable use of existing residential infrastructure without disturbing the residential character of localities,” the official said.The policy introduces a two-tier classification system — gold and silver categories — based on room size, hygiene standards, safety infrastructure, guest amenities and overall service quality. Under the proposed norms, the first category of rooms must have a minimum area of 120 sq ft, while the latter need to be at least 100 sq ft.The draft further proposes strict monitoring and compliance provisions. Authorities will be empowered to inspect premises without prior notice and issue rectification notices if deficiencies are found. Continued violations may lead to suspension, cancellation or blacklisting of registrations.A registration may also be cancelled in cases involving misrepresentation, criminal activities, serious hygiene or safety violations, misuse of premises or repeated non-compliance with operational guidelines.The policy has proposed prohibiting commercial restaurants, banquet events, bars, hotel-style signage and unauthorised structural alterations within the registered B&B premises to preserve the residential character of the neighbourhoods.
