UP Tourism to commence homestay operator training program to elevate rural hospitality standards
Representative Image (18)-1
Around 30 operators from districts across the state will begin a five-day training programme at the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management in Lucknow on September 15, 2026.
As Visit My State encourages travellers to explore Uttar Pradesh beyond its established destinations, the state is preparing homestay operators to deliver professional hospitality while retaining each place's local character.
Around 30 operators from districts across Uttar Pradesh will begin a five-day training programme at the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management in Lucknow on September 15, 2026. The programme will continue from September 15 to 19 and focus on the practical skills required to operate a homestay as a sustainable tourism enterprise.
The initiative seeks to strengthen rural tourism while creating self-employment opportunities for local youth. Many participants have chosen homestay operation as a livelihood after completing their formal education and are receiving continued training and guidance from the Tourism Department.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Under the leadership of CM Yogi, the state government is strengthening rural tourism through innovation, skill development and local enterprise. Homestays allow visitors to experience Uttar Pradesh through its food, traditions, communities and everyday life. With professional training and regular guidance, local youth can build successful enterprises while contributing to a better visitor experience.”
The course will cover the complete journey of managing and promoting a homestay. Experts will train participants in low cost marketing, branding, social media and online promotion to help them reach travellers and build greater visibility.
Sessions will also cover guest registration, complaint resolution, service management, tariff setting, pricing and cost control. Operators will receive practical inputs on housekeeping, maintenance, hygiene, safety and health standards required to provide a comfortable and dependable stay.
Another focus will be on presenting local cuisine and organic products in a consistent and appealing manner. Participants will also be introduced to grooming, personality development, table etiquette and service protocols, helping them combine the warmth of a family hosted stay with professional hospitality standards.
The first four days will include classroom based sessions, while the final day will involve a visit to a homestay for practical exposure. This will allow participants to see how lessons on guest service, upkeep, pricing and day to day management can be applied in an operational setting.
Interest under the Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Policy, 2025, has risen sharply since January 2026, with more than 1,000 certificates now issued. The growing response is widening the network of local hosts who can participate in Uttar Pradesh’s tourism economy.
By pairing certification with skills and service training, the state aims to make homestays an important part of the Visit My State experience. The approach is expected to strengthen visitor confidence, encourage travel to rural and lesser-known destinations and ensure that a larger share of tourism income reaches local households and communities
