Lucknow, The Uttar Pradesh government has received more than 3,000 applications under its Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Policy launched in 2025, with nearly 900 homestays and farmstays registered so far, according to an official statement issued Tuesday. UP govt gets over 3,000 applications under homestay policy; 900 units registered so far The tourism department said the policy was introduced to meet the growing demand for affordable accommodation amid rising tourist footfall in religious and cultural destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan and Agra. Officials said applications under the policy have increased significantly since the beginning of 2026, indicating growing interest in tourism-related businesses. According to the statement, urban homestays are witnessing strong participation in Varanasi, Mathura, Agra, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Lucknow, while rural homestays are expanding rapidly in the Bundelkhand region, particularly in Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba and Jhansi. Districts such as Barabanki, Bahraich, Pilibhit and Lakhimpur are also emerging as rural tourism destinations, the statement said. The government said the policy is generating local employment opportunities, with families converting vacant rooms into accommodation units. …