The Department of Tourism, Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA), on August 19, 2026, issued the Lakshadweep Tourist Trade Guidelines, 2026 to regulate tourist trade establishments and water sports activities in the Union Territory. The Guidelines will come into force from September 1, 2026. Existing hotels, resorts, homestays, water sports centres and dive centres must obtain the requisite permit by September 30, 2026, while new establishments must obtain a Tourist Trade Permit before commencing operations.
The Tourist Trade Permit will remain valid for three years from the date of issue, and the Competent Authority may cancel the permit after providing an opportunity in case of violations. Hotels, resorts and homestays are required to comply with various conditions, including obtaining a Trade Licence, GSTIN and Land Diversion Certificate, maintaining a commercial electricity connection, obtaining an FSSAI licence where food is served, and implementing solid and liquid waste management systems.
The Guidelines further require covered establishments to have adequate sewage/liquid waste management systems, prohibit development of facilities in No Development Zones, and mandate rainwater harvesting as prescribed. The framework is intended to regulate tourism activities while promoting sustainable tourism, environmental protection and visitor safety in Lakshadweep.
[F. No. 20/01/2026-TD]
