Gujarat Homestays Set to Transform Tourism and Rural Economy

GANDHINAGAR : As Gujarat prepares to host major national and international events, festivals, conventions and tourism mega-events, registered homestays are emerging as an important alternative to conventional hotels while creating new opportunities for local communities.

The Gujarat Tourism Department introduced its Homestay Registration Policy in 2020 to give visitors an opportunity to experience the state’s culture, traditions, cuisine, lifestyle and hospitality by staying with local families.

Today, Gujarat has 270 registered homestays, including 255 Silver, eight Gold and seven Platinum category properties. The classification is based on facilities and standards, providing visitors with greater confidence while choosing accommodation.

For operators such as Harsimrat, the policy has provided credibility and support. “For us, running a homestay is far more than offering a place to sleep; it is about immersing travellers in localised experiences and building meaningful human connections,” she said.

The benefits extend beyond tourism. Homestays can generate supplementary income for families, create rural employment, promote indigenous handicrafts and local products, and provide greater economic opportunities for women and small entrepreneurs.

In Dang, Aditya Roy of Dang Forest Retreat said registration under the policy has strengthened his commitment to responsible tourism.

“The future of tourism in sensitive ecosystems like Dang lies not in extensive concrete developments, but in creating high-value, mindful experiences with minimal environmental impact,” Roy said.

Homestays also offer tourists experiences centred on nature, tribal traditions, indigenous cuisine, crafts and sustainable living—helping distribute tourism income beyond major urban centres.

The Office of the Tourism Commissioner provides short-term training and marketing guidance to operators, while registered properties are listed on the Gujarat Tourism Corporation website.

Citizens seeking to register their properties can apply online through the Tourism Commissioner’s website. Applications are followed by documentation verification and physical site inspections before properties receive their Silver, Gold or Platinum classification.

With tourism expanding across Gujarat, the homestay ecosystem is increasingly positioned as a bridge between hospitality, cultural preservation, sustainable tourism and local economic development.