Rajasthan Launches Homestay Scheme 2026

Rajasthan’s Tourism Department has unveiled the ‘Rajasthan Homestay (Paying Guest House) Scheme – 2026’ to promote tourism, rural income growth and self-employment. Announcing the initiative, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Praveen Gupta stated that the scheme is designed to simplify approvals and encourage wider community participation in the tourism sector.

Rajasthan recorded a 9.74 per cent rise in tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to the previous year. Official data show that over 25.44 crore tourists visited the state, of which more than 25.25 crore were domestic travellers. The new policy aims to further accelerate this growth trajectory.

Boost to Rural Economy and Small Enterprises

The scheme seeks to strengthen the rural economy by enabling residents to convert part of their homes into tourist accommodation. By allowing small investors, rural households and women entrepreneurs to participate directly in tourism, the government expects to generate additional income streams and expand employment opportunities.

Rural and family-based tourism models are expected to receive a renewed impetus under the revised framework.

Simplified Licensing and Operational Flexibility

A key feature of the 2026 scheme is the simplified and digital licensing process. The earlier requirement of multiple departmental clearances has been replaced with a single-window system, fewer documents and faster online approvals.

The maximum number of rooms permitted per residential unit has been increased from five to eight, with a bed capacity limit of 24. The earlier rule mandating that the property owner or a family member reside on the premises has been removed. Homestays may now be operated by the owner, lessee or a designated caretaker as per guidelines.

Regulatory Standards and Registration Process

Registrations will be processed through local Tourism Department offices to strengthen decentralised implementation. Rural homeowners may also register at Tourist Reception Centres (TRCs).

Important Facts for Exams

• Rajasthan Homestay Scheme 2026 increases room limit from five to eight.
• Maximum bed capacity per homestay unit is fixed at 24.
• A single-window digital approval system has been introduced.
• Over 25.44 crore tourists visited Rajasthan in 2025.

Mandatory Safety and Compliance Norms

Each homestay must function within a fully residential complex. Rented rooms are required to have attached bathrooms, adequate water and electricity supply, ventilation, sanitation and fire safety compliance. Parking and waste disposal systems must follow local authority regulations. Maintaining a guest register for at least seven years and reporting foreign guest details to authorities have been made mandatory under the scheme.