West Bengal Launches Statewide Homestay Portal

The West Bengal Tourism Department has officially launched a statewide portal designed to register and verify homestays across the state. Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh announced the initiative in Kolkata, noting that while there are 5,479 homestays currently operating, only 2,679 were previously enlisted with the department. The new platform aims to bring all applications, inspections, and certifications online to create a verified database of accommodation providers. According to the Minister, only properties certified through this portal will be permitted to use the 'homestay' label in their signage and advertising. The department has also signaled that regular vigilance will be instituted to prevent the unauthorized use of the nomenclature. This digital shift is part of a broader strategy to improve infrastructure and revenue collection within the state's tourism sector, which also includes the ongoing renovation of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation lodges.