Explore Telangana Like a Local: State to Launch New Homestay Scheme
HYDERABAD: Telangana is preparing to launch a homestay scheme that will allow homeowners to host tourists and earn additional income.
The tourism department will soon invite applications from eligible homeowners across the state to register and classify their properties as homestays. The scheme aims to take tourism beyond major cities and hotels by helping households become small tourism businesses, as reported by TOI.
Officials said the department would process applications within 30 working days. Registration will remain valid for two years. Meanwhile, the government will act mainly as a facilitator and promoter under a trust-based, ease-of-doing-business approach.
“Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing contributors to employment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and balanced regional development,” officials said.
Homestays to boost rural and tribal tourism
The scheme aims to increase accommodation options in rural and tribal areas without the high costs and environmental impact of large commercial projects.
In addition, homestays will allow tourists to experience Telangana’s local cuisine, handicrafts, art forms and festivals.
The scheme will cover residential properties that owners voluntarily offer for short-term tourist stays. Eligible properties will include:
- Independent houses
- Heritage homes
- Traditional dwellings
- Rural and tribal houses
- Residential apartments
However, hotels, resorts, lodges, hostels, paying-guest facilities, dormitories and serviced apartments will not qualify.
Three categories for registered homestays
A committee of officials from different departments will inspect and classify registered properties into three categories. The tourism department will take the final decision based on the committee’s recommendations.
Once approved, owners will receive a classification certificate. Telangana Tourism will also list the properties on its promotional platforms, helping them reach potential visitors.
Policy targets ₹15,000 crore investment, 3 lakh jobs
The homestay scheme forms part of the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-30, the state’s first dedicated tourism policy since its formation.
The policy aims to attract ₹15,000 crore in tourism investment and create 3 lakh jobs over five years. It also targets a tourism contribution of 10% or more to the state’s economy.
Through the homestay initiative, the government hopes to promote community-based and responsible tourism across urban, rural and tribal Telangana.
At the same time, the scheme could create new markets for local food, handicrafts, traditional art and festivals while giving households another source of income.
