The "Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Scheme" by the Punjab Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs helps homeowners offer Read More... comfortable stays to tourists, boosting accommodation options in the state. Read less
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Are you a homeowner in Punjab looking to earn a little extra income while sharing your culture with travelers? The Punjab government's Bed & Breakfast (BnB) / Homestay Scheme could be just what you need!
This initiative by the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, aims to create welcoming BnB and Homestay options for both Indian and international visitors. It allows private property owners to register their homes as official accommodation providers. The core idea is to offer tourists clean, affordable places to stay and a chance to experience Punjab's rich cultural heritage firsthand.
Bed & Breakfast (BnB) Unit: This typically refers to a private home with at least one guest room available for rent, where breakfast is also served.
Homestay: A Homestay primarily offers just accommodation. While breakfast isn't standard, owners can arrange it for guests based on mutual agreement and additional charges.
The scheme serves a dual purpose: it provides tourists with more diverse and authentic lodging choices, and it offers a valuable opportunity for homeowners to generate additional income. By promoting these registered units, Punjab Tourism aims to enhance the overall tourism experience in the state.
Homeowners in Punjab who wish to open up their homes to tourists and provide comfortable lodging are the primary beneficiaries. The scheme is designed to be accessible to individuals looking to supplement their income by leveraging their existing property.
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Properties can be registered under two categories: Gold and Silver. Here are the criteria:
If you wish to register your property as a Bed & Breakfast or Homestay unit, you need to submit your application through the official web portal of the Department of Tourism.
Note: The application fee is non-refundable.
When applying for registration, please ensure you have the following documents ready:
What exactly is the Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Scheme?
It's a government scheme in Punjab designed to offer tourists a pleasant and affordable place to stay, while also letting them experience the local culture. It involves registering private homes as official Bed & Breakfast or Homestay units.
What's the main goal behind this scheme?
The primary aim is to provide comfortable Bed & Breakfast (BnB) and Homestay options for tourists and to increase the availability of quality accommodation across Punjab.
Which government department is running this initiative?
The Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab, is implementing this scheme.
Can you explain what a 'Bed & Breakfast Unit' means in this context?
A Bed & Breakfast (BnB) unit is basically a private home that has at least one room available for guests, and it also serves breakfast to them.
How is a 'Homestay' different from a BnB?
A Homestay primarily offers lodging. Breakfast is not a standard inclusion. However, the Homestay owner can arrange breakfast for guests if they request it, with charges agreed upon mutually.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Property owners residing in Punjab are eligible to apply if they wish to register their homes as a Bed & Breakfast unit or a Homestay unit.
What are the requirements to be considered for the 'Gold category' registration?
To qualify for the Gold category, your house must be less than 20 years old. It needs at least 25% open space like a lawn or terrace, proper hygienic food storage, and sufficient parking space for guests within the property.
What if my property doesn't meet the Gold category standards?
If your property doesn't meet the Gold category criteria but has at least one room available for rent, you can still apply for registration under the 'Silver category'.
What benefits do property owners get once registered?
Registered owners can earn extra income, get associated with the Punjab Tourism brand, and use its logo. They also receive marketing support, including promotion on the official tourism website, media coverage, inclusion in brochures, and promotion at trade fairs.
Who issues the registration certificate?
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) will issue the certificate.
How long is the registration certificate valid for?
The registration certificate issued under this scheme is valid for a lifetime.
How do I submit my application for this scheme?
You need to submit your application online through the official web portal of the Department of Tourism. The website is https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in/.
Is there a fee to apply for registration?
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee. For the Gold Category, the fee is ₹5,000. For the Silver Category, the fee is ₹3,000.