Tourism Minister calls for collective action to curb unregulated homestays; urges public to report violations

Goa Khabar : Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has assured that the Department of Tourism is actively monitoring accommodations listed on Online Travel Agency (OTA) platforms, to ensure they are registered with the state. He said, “We have ensured that all inventory of hotel rooms, guesthouses and other stays linked with OTA platforms are registered with the Department of Tourism.”

Highlighting ongoing challenges, the Minister noted that many second homes and residential buildings are being misused for tourist stays without informing the authorities. “The people who come to these second homes and operate as tourist accommodations often do so without proper registration. This needs to be addressed on priority,” he stated.

Khaunte stressed the importance of collective responsibility, adding, “The Registrar of Cooperative Societies should be taken into confidence. Societies must remain alert and are encouraged to call the Tourism Department’s toll-free number 1364 to report unregulated stays. The Department is in continuous coordination with municipalities and panchayats to address this issue.”

Recognising the seriousness of the matter, the Minister said that the state government, along with the Chief Minister, will work towards finding a sustainable solution that protects the interests of both residents and the tourism sector.

The statement came in response to concerns raised by MLA Michael Lobo in the Goa Legislative Assembly, who flagged the growing inconvenience caused to locals by homestays operating within residential societies, often attracting unruly tourists and disturbing the neighbourhood fabric.