AI SummaryGoa government has launched a new Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme to improve rural tourism and give local families a stable income source. Under this scheme, selected homestay owners in specific rural talukas get a one-time grant of ₹2 lakh. As per the official Goa Online portal, there are about 26690 registered hotels, guest houses and homestays (combined) in Goa.
This scheme focuses on families, especially women, who run homestays in lesser-known parts of Goa. Along with the grant, they get training, marketing support and online promotion through official Goa Tourism platforms. Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme runs for five years and can be extended if it helps enough people.
How to Apply Online for Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme 2026
STEP 1 - Go to the official Goa Online portal and register using your email ID, mobile number, name, address and date of birth with OTP authentication. Existing users can simply log in with their credentials.
STEP 2 - Click on the "Services" menu, then "All Services" and go to the Tourism department section. Open the application for registration of "Hotel, Guest House, Homestay / Bed & Breakfast".
STEP 3 - If you are not an existing owner, first register your new homestay by filling in the application form with all details about your homestay. Select "Homestay / Bed and Breakfast" from the drop-down list, upload the required documents and submit the form.
STEP 4 - If you already run a registered homestay, log in to your Goa Online account and click on "Know Your Schemes". You will see "Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme" in the schemes list. Click on it, attach all required documents and submit the application.
STEP 5 - Offline application is also allowed by visiting the tourism department office. Interested applicants can also visit the CSC centers for help with the application. Once verified, eligible people get the grant amount directly in their bank account.
Also Read: Goa Vidya Laxmi Scheme Application Form PDF
Required Documents
Keep a valid NOC from the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, proof of ownership such as a house tax receipt or a lease agreement with owner NOC, NOC from the housing society or welfare association, GST registration if applicable, third-party public liability insurance, Aadhaar or any other government ID proof and PAN card (for new applications) ready before applying. Full scheme details, including the official PDF, are available on the official UDP Goa scheme page.
Target Areas and Eligibility
The scheme is open to homestay owners from the following talukas of Goa: Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda and Quepem. The homestay should be registered with the Department of Tourism, Goa, and owned by a person who is Goan by birth or has lived in Goa for 15 or more years. The unit should also follow the Goa Tourism Trade Act rules and meet the Silver or Gold classification standards set by the department.
Benefits of this Scheme
Eligible homestay owners receive more than just the grant amount. Main benefits of the scheme are listed below:
- ₹2 lakh one-time grant for infrastructure development of every eligible homestay.
- Marketing and promotion through official Goa Tourism platforms, along with help to connect with tour and experience operators.
- Training and skill development for hospitality operations, including exposure visits to improve service quality.
- Trade fair support with 50% reimbursement of participation cost and travel for one domestic trade show every year, up to ₹50,000.
- Other help like free or low-cost homestay software, easier NOC and license clearances, and priority access to the 24x7 Tourism Helpline.
Quick Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme |
| State | Goa |
| Announced By | CM Pramod Sawant |
| Implemented By | Department of Tourism, Government of Goa |
| Financial Support | ₹2 lakh one-time grant |
| Eligible Areas | Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, Quepem |
| Main Focus | Rural tourism development and helping women homestay operators |
| Other Benefits | Training, marketing support, listing on tourism platforms |
| Scheme Duration | 5 years (extendable) |
| Registration | Online at Goa Online portal, offline at tourism department office |
Scheme's Role in Goa's Tourism Vision
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the scheme matches Goa's "Beyond Beaches" vision, where tourists are encouraged to find out the culture, villages and nature of Goa. By improving rural homestays, the state aims to balance tourism income between urban and rural areas, while giving visitors a more real Goan experience.
FAQ's
Who can apply for this scheme?
Any local resident of the selected talukas who owns a registered homestay can apply. The owner should be Goan by birth or should have lived in Goa for 15 or more years, and the homestay should be registered under the Goa Tourism Trade Act.
Is the scheme only for women?
No, but women homestay operators get special attention and encouragement under the scheme.
Which talukas are covered under the scheme?
The scheme is currently limited to Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda and Quepem talukas of Goa.
Will I get help in promoting my homestay?
Yes, Goa Tourism will promote your homestay on its platforms and train you in hospitality. You can also get help with trade fair participation and other clearances.