Sikkim, Homestays allow tourists to experience local hospitality while supporting community livelihoods. To ensure standardization, the State Government mandates registration of homestays under the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024, monitored by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim.

This article provides a detailed guide on the homestay registration process, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step procedures, and relevant norms or legal provisions, introduction.

Homestay registration in Sikkim ensures authenticity, safety, and quality in the state’s tourism sector. Registered homestays get legal recognition and access to government benefits and promotions.

What is a Homestay?

A homestay is a residential property where the owner or family members host tourists by offering accommodation, meals, and local experiences in a home-like setting.

Provision: As per Rule 3 of the Sikkim Homestay Guidelines 2024, a homestay is defined as private accommodation offered in the resident’s own house with essential services.

Eligibility Criteria

To register a homestay, the property must meet basic criteria related to ownership, residency, infrastructure, and hygiene. The host must be a permanent resident of Sikkim.

Provision: Section 4 of the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024 mandates that the applicant must reside on the premises and be a local domicile of Sikkim.

Required Documents for Homestay Registration

Below are the documents needed for successful homestay registration:

- Application Form

The homestay registration form contains details of the owner, property, number of rooms, facilities, and declaration of compliance with the state’s tourism regulations.

Norm: Form HSR-1 under Schedule I of the Homestay Registration Rules, 2024 must be duly filled and signed before submission.

- Proof of Ownership

Applicants must show they legally own the property proposed for homestay use through sale deed, land ownership certificate, or house registration documents.

Norm: Section 5(a) of the Sikkim Tourism Homestay Policy mandates verifiable ownership evidence to prevent disputes and ensure accountability.

- Ownership Condition

Only those who legally own the premises can apply, and the property should not be on lease, rent, or informal occupation.

Norm: Rule 6 of the Homestay Regulation Rules, 2024 bars registration of leased or disputed properties for homestay operations.

- Residency Requirement

The host or their family must live in the house, ensuring guest interaction and cultural immersion, which is central to the homestay experience.

Norm: Section 4(b) of the Act stipulates residential occupancy by the owner to preserve cultural exchange between tourists and locals.

- Accommodation Availability

The property should offer a minimum of 1 and maximum of 5 guest rooms with attached or common bathrooms and clean, secure living arrangements.

Norm: As per Rule 7, no more than five rooms may be let out to maintain personal hospitality and home environment.

- Facilities

Essential facilities like clean beds, linen, running water, proper toilets, dining area, lighting, ventilation, and power backup must be provided.

Norm: The Homestay Amenities Checklist under Schedule II outlines minimum facility requirements for all applicants to ensure guest comfort.

- Safety and Hygiene

Homestays must maintain sanitation, have waste disposal systems, clean bathrooms, and follow local health department guidelines on safety and cleanliness.

Norm: Section 8 of the Homestay Safety Norms, 2024 emphasizes hygiene compliance and mandatory cleanliness checks for approved properties.

- Identity Proof

Applicants must submit valid ID documents like Certificate of Identification (COI), Sikkim Subject Certificate, or Residential Certificate issued by the district authority.

Norm: Rule 4(e) of the Act requires proof of identity confirming Sikkim domicile status for promoting local community tourism.

Procedure for Homestay Registration

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to register your homestay in Sikkim:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure your property is owned, you reside in it, and basic facilities and infrastructure meet minimum requirements prescribed by the tourism department.

Provision: Rule 3 and 4 collectively specify eligibility conditions for submission of the homestay application form.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather ownership documents, ID proof, photographs, floor plan, health certificate, and NOC from Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body.

Provision: Section 5 and Schedule I outline the documentation to be submitted for registration.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Apply offline at the nearest Tourism Office or through the Sikkim Tourism online portal with scanned documents and processing fee.

Provision: Rule 6 prescribes that applications must be processed within 30 working days of submission.

Step 4: Property Inspection

Tourism officials, along with local authorities, inspect the property to ensure it meets the standards for safety, accommodation, and local authenticity.

Provision: Rule 7 directs the constitution of a local inspection committee to verify application claims and facility readiness.

Step 5: Grant of Registration Certificate

On satisfactory inspection and approval, a homestay registration certificate is issued valid for one year and renewable annually.

Provision: Under Section 9, the certificate grants legal permission to operate as a registered homestay in Sikkim.

Operational Guidelines for Registered Homestays

• Maintain a guest register with ID details and stay duration.

• Display tariffs, rules, and guest policies prominently.

• Ensure first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and clean drinking water.

• Follow zero-waste and eco-friendly tourism practices.

Norm: Chapter IV of the Homestay Code of Conduct, 2024 details ongoing compliance for registered units.

Benefits of Homestay Registration

• Legal recognition and protection from penalties.

• Listing on the Sikkim Tourism website and promotional materials.

• Eligibility for training and subsidy schemes under State Tourism Mission.

• Access to financial grants and schemes for rural entrepreneurs.

Provision: Section 11 of the Act allows registered homestays access to government incentives under the Rural Tourism Promotion Scheme.

FAQs on Homestay Registration in Sikkim

- Is registration mandatory for all homestays in Sikkim?

Yes, registration is compulsory under the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024 for legal operation and promotional support.

- What is the validity of the homestay registration certificate?

The certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed annually before the expiry date.

- Can I operate a homestay on rented property?

No, only owned residential properties are allowed to operate as registered homestays in Sikkim.

- Can I apply for homestay registration online?

Yes, applications can be submitted online through the Sikkim Tourism Portal or offline at local offices.

- What happens if I operate without registration?

Unregistered homestays are subject to closure, fines up to ₹25,000, and legal action under the Tourist Trade Act, 2024.

- Are there any government subsidies for registered homestays?

Yes, registered units may be eligible for financial assistance, soft loans, and capacity-building training under government rural tourism schemes.

- Can I register a homestay in Gangtok city?

Yes, but only if it meets criteria and zoning regulations. Urban areas may have more scrutiny for safety and compliance.

- How is my homestay categorized?

Homestays are categorized into Silver or Gold based on amenities, guest experience, and feedback post inspection by the tourism department.

Conclusion

Running a registered homestay in Sikkim is a rewarding opportunity to share your culture, earn sustainable income, and boost local tourism. By following the Department of Tourism’s norms and provisions under the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2024, you not only legalize your operations but also enhance your credibility among tourists and the government.