The Delhi government has put forth a draft policy aimed at regulating Bed and Breakfast (B&B) establishments across the National Capital Territory. This proposed policy seeks to enhance safety, hygiene, and service standards within the B&B sector by introducing classifications, operational limits, and mandatory security measures.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the draft policy introduces a framework that categorizes B&B establishments into ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’ classes. This classification will be based on various criteria including room size, furnishings, sanitation standards, guest amenities, and safety arrangements. Specifically, Gold Category establishments will require guest rooms with a minimum area of 120 square feet, featuring amenities such as wardrobes, study tables, televisions, filtered drinking water, and adequate ventilation and cooling systems. Bathrooms in the Gold Category must be equipped with western-style toilets, hot and cold running water, ventilation, proper drainage, and enhanced toiletries.
The Silver Category, while having comparatively relaxed standards, will still mandate a minimum room size of 100 square feet, along with clean bedding, cooling facilities, filtered water, and either dedicated or attached bathrooms. A significant aspect of the draft policy is the proposed limit on the number of rooms and beds, restricting B&Bs to a maximum of eight rooms and sixteen beds. This measure is intended to ensure that the establishments remain within the scope of residential-based accommodations.
The policy also emphasizes guest safety and operational standards, making CCTV cameras mandatory at entry points. Registered B&B units will be required to maintain guest registers, conduct police verification for guests, and comply with foreign guest reporting norms. Furthermore, the draft policy mandates the presence of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and prominently displayed emergency contact information.
Registration processes are set to be streamlined, with applications moving online and aiming for processing within seven days under a deemed approval system. The draft Delhi Bed and Breakfast Policy 2026, released by the Department of Tourism, aims to overhaul the existing framework for neighbourhood-based accommodation. It seeks to simplify registration rules and introduce detailed standards for hygiene, infrastructure, safety, and guest services, aligning with the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ principles.
The proposed policy will extend to the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi and is intended to be valid for five years from its notification date, unless amended or extended. It explicitly excludes other types of transient accommodation such as hotels, motels, guest houses, boarding, and lodging houses. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote affordable, neighbourhood-based accommodation that offers an authentic local experience while ensuring harmony with residential surroundings.
As of 2023, over 2,200 rooms across 432 houses in Delhi were registered under the existing ‘Bed and Breakfast’ scheme. The revised policy aims to revitalize this sector, which has seen a decline due to the rise of online platforms like Airbnb. The Department of Tourism is inviting public feedback on the draft policy, with all representations to be submitted through designated online modes within a specified period. The policy is also designed to foster citizen participation in tourism, generate additional household income, and promote inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
The draft policy underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the tourism experience in Delhi by ensuring a regulated, safe, and standardized environment for B&B accommodations. The focus on hygiene, safety, and streamlined registration aims to attract more tourists seeking personalized and affordable stays, thereby contributing to the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
The Chenab Times News Desk