Lucknow: UP Tourism’s five-day training programme for homestay operators will commence on Tuesday at the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management.Officials said the programme includes areas like digital marketing, guest management, hygiene, pricing and other aspects of running a homestay as a sustainable tourism enterprise. It will also cover branding, social media promotion and low-cost marketing, besides guest registration, complaint resolution, tariff setting, pricing and cost control.Operators will also receive inputs on housekeeping, maintenance, hygiene, safety, grooming and service protocols. The first four days will comprise classroom sessions, while the final day will involve a visit to an operational homestay for practical exposure.The tourism department said the initiative aims to strengthen rural tourism, create self-employment opportunities and encourage visitors to explore lesser-known destinations.The initiative comes amid growing interest under the Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Policy, 2025. More than 1,000 certificates have been issued since Jan 2026, expanding the network of local hosts who can benefit from the state’s tourism economy.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said homestays could create livelihoods while giving visitors a more localised experience of Uttar Pradesh. “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,” he said.
