Tourism – Delhi Plans New Rules for Expanding Bed and Breakfast Services
Tourism- Delhi may soon allow more residential properties to run as Bed and Breakfast establishments under a proposed tourism policy aimed at improving small-scale accommodation services across the city.
The Delhi government has introduced a draft Bed and Breakfast Policy 2026 that could permit residential buildings with up to eight rooms and 16 beds to operate as registered guest accommodation units. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen neighbourhood-based tourism while introducing clearer operational standards for property owners.
Two-Tier Classification Proposed
According to the draft framework released by the Department of Tourism for public suggestions, B&B units would be divided into silver and gold categories. The classification would depend on several factors, including room dimensions, cleanliness, guest facilities, interior furnishings, sanitation conditions and safety measures.
Officials familiar with the proposal stated that properties applying for the gold category would need to maintain higher standards. Guest rooms under this category must have a minimum area of 120 square feet and provide facilities such as wardrobes, television sets, study tables, filtered drinking water and proper ventilation systems. Cooling arrangements, including fans or air conditioners where required, would also be mandatory.
Bathrooms in the gold category would need to include Western-style toilets, continuous hot and cold water supply, suitable ventilation and efficient drainage systems. Enhanced toiletries and improved maintenance standards have also been included in the proposed guidelines.
Relaxed Standards for Silver Category
The silver category has comparatively simpler requirements to encourage participation from smaller property owners. Under this segment, rooms should have a minimum size of 100 square feet along with clean bedding, access to cooling facilities and filtered drinking water.
The proposal also recommends attached or dedicated bathrooms for guests staying in silver-category establishments. Officials said the intention is to maintain basic comfort and hygiene standards while keeping the entry process practical for homeowners.
Focus on Guest Safety and Hygiene
The draft policy places strong emphasis on visitor safety and operational accountability. All registered Bed and Breakfast units would be required to maintain guest records and complete police verification procedures. Operators hosting foreign visitors would also need to comply with existing reporting regulations.
Safety infrastructure has been made a key part of the proposal. Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency contact displays and secure door locks would become compulsory for all approved establishments.
Authorities have also proposed rules regarding surveillance systems. CCTV cameras, wherever installed, would only be allowed in entrances and common areas to protect guest privacy while ensuring security monitoring.
Cleanliness Standards Included in Proposal
The draft rules further outline detailed hygiene requirements for participating properties. Daily cleaning of guest rooms, washrooms and common areas has been proposed as a mandatory condition for registration.
Property owners may also need to follow proper waste segregation practices and ensure adequate ventilation throughout the premises. In cases where meals are provided to guests, food preparation areas must meet hygiene and cleanliness norms specified under the policy.
Officials said these standards are aimed at improving the overall experience for tourists and domestic travellers choosing smaller accommodation facilities over traditional hotels.
Residential Character to Be Preserved
The proposed framework also seeks to prevent excessive commercial activity inside residential colonies. The draft clearly restricts operators from running commercial restaurants, banquet functions, bars or similar businesses within registered B&B premises.
Authorities believe these restrictions would help maintain the residential nature of neighbourhoods while still supporting tourism-related economic activity.
Government data showed that by 2023, more than 2,200 rooms across 432 residential properties in Delhi had already been registered under the existing Bed and Breakfast scheme since its launch. The revised policy is expected to modernise the current system and simplify registration procedures for future applicants.