Andhra Pradesh Pushes Home Stay Policy to Boost Tourism, Create Jobs
Andhra Pradesh is stepping up efforts to promote its ‘Home Stay’ policy. The initiative aims to strengthen tourism and provide livelihood opportunities across the state. Residents are encouraged to convert their homes into tourist accommodations. This offers visitors an affordable, homely experience while giving locals an additional source of income, especially in areas with limited hotel facilities.
“The Home Stay policy is designed to help residents earn sustainably while enhancing the tourism infrastructure in the state,” said an official from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department.
Under the scheme, interested hosts must register on the official government portal. The policy offers two models. In a Home Stay, the owner lives on the premises and rents out one to six rooms. In a Bed and Breakfast (B&B), the owner manages the property through a caretaker.
Applications go through a two-stage verification process. Local police conduct background checks, followed by inspections from tourism officials and local authorities. A district committee, chaired by the Collector, gives the final approval.
“The verification process ensures that guests receive a safe and comfortable stay, comparable to hotel standards,” the official added.
The government has issued detailed guidelines for facilities. Each room must be at least 100 square feet, with washrooms of at least 24 square feet. Mandatory amenities include Wi-Fi, laundry services, a lobby, CCTV, and 24-hour water supply. Hosts must provide local cuisine, maintain a first-aid kit, and communicate in English, Hindi, and the local language.
Financial assistance is available through the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). Support can reach up to Rs 5 lakh in tribal regions and ₹3 lakh in urban areas. Registered properties will also enjoy domestic rates for water, power, and property tax. Annual awards will be given for exemplary service.
Verified home stays will be listed on the government portal and on major travel platforms including Oyo, MakeMyTrip, and StayVista. Tariffs are expected to range between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 per night.
The state government aims to establish 10,000 home stays and B&Bs across Andhra Pradesh, with each property operational for at least 200 days a year. Around 2,000 units are planned for Visakhapatnam district.
“We expect this initiative to boost tourism, increase accommodation capacity, and provide residents with a reliable source of income,” the official said.