Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The State tourism department has advised tourists to respect the “privacy” of other tourists or strangers by avoiding taking selfies without permission, especially while someone is sunbathing or swimming.
The advisory comes days after photo of Indian tourists taking pictures with a female foreign tourist went viral on a beach in Goa.
“Do not take selfies and photographs, without permission of other tourists/ strangers, especially while sunbathing or sea swimming, so as to respect their privacy. Do not take selfies at dangerous locations like steep cliffs, sea rocks, etc., as this may lead to accidents,” the advisory states
The tourism department said that the board has established a practice of publishing periodic recommendations to foster and maintain patronage and confidence among travellers as a result of the rise in illicit activities, including touting, fraud, and phoney online booking agents.
“Consumption of alcohol in open areas like beaches etc. is prohibited and is a punishable offence. However, alcohol may be consumed responsibly inside legally licensed premises like shacks / restaurants, hotels etc,” it said
The advisory further states that tourists are cautioned against hiring private vehicles/renting cabs/bikes that are not legally registered with Transport Department and those that do not hold a valid permit.
Also, Tourists are advised not to entertain illegal touts or agents for booking watersports and river cruises and tourists must insist on a registration certificate issued by Tourism Department while booking such services and book such services only from registered travel agents or registered online portals.
“Begging of Alms in tourist places is prohibited, and Tourists are advised not to encourage begging in any tourist areas. And also Cooking food in open areas is prohibited and may lead to prosecution and seizure of cooking items and a penalty upto Rs 50,000,” it adds
Further littering of waste in any tourist area is prohibited and cleanliness should be maintained in all tourist places. • Driving of motor vehicles, including 2-wheelers on beaches, is strictly prohibited and will lead to severe action and seizure of the vehicle/arrest of the driver.
“Do not encourage drug peddlers or consume any narcotics substances, as such activities are banned by law and may lead to severe penalties and imprisonment,” the advisory states
The Tourism department has also urged the tourists not drive under the influence of alcohol and to not book services from online portals which are suspicious and unverified.
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