New Delhi: In a major step towards promoting tourism and self-employment, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government is reportedly planning to revive the long-defunct ‘Bed and Breakfast’ (B&B) scheme that was originally launched in 2007 under the Sheila Dikshit government.
The plan aims to encourage citizens to convert a part of their homes into affordable homestays, offering tourists an authentic local experience along with comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals. Officials said that this revival could provide economic opportunities for households and help Delhi emerge as a more welcoming tourist destination.
A Look Back at the Original Scheme
The Bed and Breakfast scheme, initiated in 2007, was introduced to provide budget-friendly accommodation options during the tourism boom in the national capital. The Delhi government had registered over 430 homes under the scheme, offering visitors affordable rooms and traditional meals.
However, the scheme was later discontinued due to operational flaws and lack of regulation. Despite its initial success, complaints about registration delays, poor monitoring, and uneven implementation led to its suspension.
Rekha Gupta Government’s New Approach
An official familiar with the development confirmed that the government is studying Goa’s successful homestay and B&B model, which has empowered women and local communities through tourism. “We are reviewing the Goa Bed and Breakfast policy to understand how its key features can be adapted to Delhi,” the official said.
In Goa, homestay owners receive ₹1 lakh in financial assistance, along with training, marketing support, and discounted participation in tourism fairs. The majority of participants in Goa’s program are women, who have benefited from economic empowerment and self-reliance through the hospitality sector.
Delhi’s Tourism Potential
Given that Delhi attracts millions of domestic and international visitors each year, the revived B&B policy could strengthen the city’s tourism economy while creating new income streams for residents.
The government believes that reopening this scheme will not only promote affordable tourism but also boost local entrepreneurship, particularly for women and small households.
The proposal is currently under active review, and officials are expected to finalize new operational guidelines and financial incentives in the coming weeks.
