Karnataka govt creates separate B&B category under new tourism policy

Bengaluru, Jul 28 (PTI) The Karnataka government’s Department of Tourism on Tuesday introduced a separate category for Bed & Breakfast establishments, distinct from homestays.

Officials said the move is part of a major policy reform aimed at creating a more structured and transparent tourism accommodation ecosystem in the state.

The move establishes a dedicated framework for professionally managed tourist accommodation while preserving the unique character of community-based homestays.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening regulatory clarity and creating a more structured tourism accommodation ecosystem across the state, officials said.

According to a statement, the ‘Guidelines for Registration of Homestay Establishments – 2025’ clearly define

Homestays and Bed & Breakfast establishments as two separate categories. The reform is intended to improve service quality, streamline regulation and strengthen the state’s tourism infrastructure.

Under the new guidelines, a homestay is defined as a privately owned residence where the owner or an immediate family member (spouse or children) resides on the premises and offers accommodation ranging from one to a maximum of six rooms. Homestays are classified as non-commercial establishments.

In contrast, under the Bed & Breakfast model, the property owner does not reside on the premises. Instead, the property is managed by an operator or an authorised representative who stays at the establishment and provides hospitality services to guests, the statement said.

Such establishments may have up to six rooms or 12 beds and are recognised as commercial enterprises.

The government will issue separate operational guidelines for the Bed & Breakfast category, it added.

Officials said the policy reform would help tourists clearly distinguish between the two types of accommodation while enabling the Department of Tourism to regulate homestays and Bed & Breakfast establishments according to their respective operational models.

The reform creates new opportunities for property owners and tourism entrepreneurs to participate in Karnataka’s growing tourism sector through a well-defined regulatory framework, they said.

The department said it expects the Bed & Breakfast model to complement the existing accommodation infrastructure, particularly in destinations witnessing increasing tourist footfall or limited hotel availability, by offering professionally managed accommodation.

It said operational standards for registered accommodation establishments have been strengthened by making it mandatory to display registration certificates, maintain guest records, ensure police verification of staff and comply with prescribed safety protocols, thereby enhancing visitor safety and confidence.

“Tourism in Karnataka is growing rapidly, and our accommodation ecosystem must evolve to meet the changing needs of travellers. By creating separate categories for Homestays and Bed & Breakfast establishments, we are preserving the authenticity of local hospitality while encouraging professionally managed accommodation,” Energy and Tourism Minister K J George said.

He said the reform would enhance investor confidence, improve the visitor experience and expand quality accommodation infrastructure across Karnataka. PTI AMP SSK