PANAJI
The Tourism Department has directed shack owners to shut daily operations by 11 pm and ensure that music played within their premises remains confined to the area and does not extend beyond it.
"It is observed that loud music is being played which is heard beyond the demarcated shack area leading to disturbance... It is also observed that the timing of operation of beach shack is not being adhered to," reads the circular issued by Tourism Director Kedar Naik on Thursday.
It asks the shack owners to strictly comply with Goa State Shack Policy for Erection of Temporary Seasonal Structures, Beach Shacks, Deck Beds/Umbrellas for Tourist Season 2023-26 wherein Noise Pollution rules are to be followed.
It states that the sound of music played shall be heard within the shack and not cause any disturbance to surrounding occupants. The policy also asks shacks to operate from 7 am to 11 pm. The violations will invite penalty, it added.
The circular further requests the shack owners to promote Goan cuisine and Goan music at their respective premises.
TECH FOR TRANSPORT
The government, meanwhile identified that lack of technology in public transport and ineffective waste management are among major impediments to tourism experience among visitors in Goa.
A high-level interdepartmental meeting chaired by Chief Secretary V Candavelou at Mantralaya on Thursday insisted urgent need for a tech-driven approach to transport and better coordination in waste management.
Government sources revealed to The Goan that stakeholders from various departments observed the absence of digital solutions in taxi services and public transport has put Goa at a disadvantage.
Among the key discussions was the need for seamless and ample taxi services with regulated fares at airports, railway stations and cruise terminals. The officials deliberated on the user-friendly taxi service app with uniform pricing, to be managed by the taxi association.
SOFT SKILLS
Amid concerns over the reckless behaviour of taxi operators -- often highlighted by affected tourists on social media -- the CS called for soft skills training, not just for taxi drivers but for all frontline workers in the tourism industry.
“The meeting stressed that improving service etiquette among these workers will enhance the overall visitor experience,” the source said.
TACKLING WASTE
Waste management emerged as another pressing issue, with stakeholders highlighting the need for cleanliness beyond just the beaches, extending to approach roads and access areas.
To combat the menace of littering and drinking on beaches, officials proposed a ‘depository fund’ scheme, where customers could return used bottles to retailers.
The meeting agenda also included enhancing international flight connectivity, offering incentives for new international flights, advocating for more visa-on-arrival, pushing for an open sky policy, free parking facilities for charter flight coaches – which would be discussed with the Centre. The introduction of QR-coded ID cards for shack staff after police verification through the Tourism and I-T depts’ coordination was also discussed.
The meeting, which sought a coordinated approach to tackling interdepartmental issues affecting tourism, also recognized the need for educating tourists on responsible behaviour.
The meeting, which sought a coordinated approach to tackling interdepartmental issues affecting tourism, also recognized the need for educating tourists on responsible behaviour.
A statement issued by the department confirmed that discussions focused on streamlining administrative procedures, improving tourist facilities, and enhancing the overall visitor experience in Goa. “Departments were asked to provide their inputs to facilitate effective decision-making and implementation,” it stated.
President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa Jack Sukhija proposed to the panel to shift Sunburn EDM from the peak season to mid-January or February. The proposal comes after a discussion with fellow industry members.
The Mormugao Port Trust representative purportedly stated that a terminal for cruise tourism will be completed by May 2025 as they will also streamline transport operations. The tourism and police also agreed to work in a more coordinated approach on the law and order front.
