NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), has released a new report titled “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways”, outlining a strategic roadmap to unlock the potential of India’s homestay and BnB (Bed and Breakfast) sector.

Launched by Vice Chairman Suman Bery in the presence of senior government officials and industry leaders, the report highlights how homestays can deliver culturally immersive travel experiences while boosting local entrepreneurship, jobs, and sustainable tourism.

Drawing upon insights from aggregators, hosts, and policymakers, the report highlights the role of homestays in offering travelers culturally immersive experiences while simultaneously fostering local entrepreneurship and employment generation. It emphasizes the need for light-touch, transparent regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety of tourists and homeowners, protect heritage, and support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The launch was attended by industry representatives from IAMAI, ISPP, MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, Chase India and The Convergence Foundation, underlining the importance of public–private collaboration in shaping a vibrant homestay ecosystem.

The report further underscores that homestays have the unique ability to blend cultural authenticity with livelihood creation, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. It calls for flexible policy approaches, capacity building and the integration of digital platforms to empower hosts and strengthen consumer trust. It also features case studies and state-level best practices to illustrate scalable models for homestay development and governance.

Developed through extensive consultations the report presents actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders and local communities, with the aim of building a resilient, inclusive and heritage-conscious homestay sector in India.