The Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, established the Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Scheme to help increase accommodation within the state of Punjab. As a result of this scheme, private property owners are encouraged to register their operationally available rooms in the form of Bed & Breakfast (BnB) or Homestay units, making clean, inexpensive, and safe facilities available for international and national travelers.
Not only does the scheme enhance the availability of tourist accommodations, but it also provides visitors with the opportunity to experience Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.
Definitions
Bed & Breakfast (BnB) Unit
A private house having at least one guest room that is let-able, which serves breakfast to its guests.
Homestay Unit
A unit providing stay facilities only, wherein breakfast can be availed on mutual agreement between the owner and the guest.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Additional Income: Useful supplement source of income for the owners of the property registered as BnB or Homestay units.
- Recognition: Linkages with the brand of Punjab Tourism and use of the Punjab Tourism Logo on signboards.
- Promotion by Punjab Tourism:
Marketing through:- The official website of Punjab Tourism.
- Brochures through Tourist Information Centres.
- Media and domestic/international trade fairs.
- Certificate of Registration:
- Issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PHTPB.
- Lifetime validity.
Eligibility Criteria
Categories:
Gold Category:
- The property must not be more than 20 years old.
- There should be an open area of at least 25% (for lawn, green area, or even a small balcony).
- Hygienic storage provision for food.
- Ample parking area within the property.
Silver Category:
- Properties that do not fit into the Gold Category but contain at least one rentable room.
General Conditions
- The owner must have 1 to 6 rentable rooms with 12 beds in total.
- The owner must stay within the same property.
- For BnB units, breakfast details and charges must be declared to avoid disputes.
- All facilities must be maintained to high standards of cleanliness, safety, and comfort for both international and domestic travelers.
Each Bedroom Must Have:
- Attached bathroom: Clean, with 24-hour hot and cold water, Western-style toilet, proper ventilation, and power backup.
Compliance Requirements
- Registered units must be maintained according to the checklist standards.
- Surprise Inspections:
- The CEO, PHTPB, or any authorized official may inspect the property anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm without prior notice.
- Non-compliance with the rules will result in cancellation of registration, after giving the owner an opportunity to be heard.
Application Process How to Apply:
- Visit the Punjab Tourism Official Portal.
- Click on “Register Your Units with Punjab Tourism” under the BnB/Homestay Scheme.
- If not registered, click on “Register Yourself”, fill in the required registration form, and complete the process.
- After successful registration, log in with your credentials.
- Select the BnB/Homestay Scheme, and fill up the application form.
- Upload the required documents and deposit the application fees online.
- Submit the form, and an acknowledgment will be sent via email.
Application Fees
- Gold Category: ₹5,000
- Silver Category: ₹3,000
Process of Registration
- After submission of the application and documents, a Provisional Registration Certificate will be issued, allowing immediate operation.
- The final certificate will be issued within 7 working days. If not issued within this time, the property is considered registered.
Quarterly Reporting
- Registered owners must submit an online quarterly report on the number of guests served.
Cancellation of Registration
- Registration may be canceled in case of breaches of rules, such as:
- Providing wrong information.
- Failure to submit quarterly reports.
- Customer complaints.
Documents Required
- Facility Checklist (Annexure-II).
- Declaration Signed (Annexure-III).
- Identity Proof: (Aadhaar Card, Passport).
- Ownership Proof: (Allotment Letter, Conveyance Deed).
- Photographs of:
- Kitchen, Main Gate, Parking, Rooms, Bathrooms, Lawn, and Dining Area.
- Certificate for Year of Construction.
- Payment Receipt for application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the “Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Scheme”?
A scheme encouraging private property owners to register their homes to provide affordable and comfortable stays for tourists. - What is the objective of this scheme?
To supplement tourist accommodation and promote Punjab’s cultural heritage. - Who can apply for this scheme?
Property owners with at least 1 rentable room who meet the eligibility criteria. - What is the difference between BnB and Homestay?
- BnB: Includes breakfast.
- Homestay: Provides accommodation only; breakfast is optional.
- What are the advantages of registering under this scheme?
- Extra income.
- Promotion by Punjab Tourism.
- Association with the Punjab Tourism brand.
- How long is the certificate valid?
The registration certificate is valid for a lifetime. - Is there an application fee for the scheme?
Yes, ₹5,000 for Gold Category and ₹3,000 for Silver Category.