Goemakpronn desk
PANAJI: The Goa state government plans to introduce a new tourism bill during the monsoon session of the state legislative assembly next month. The proposed law, titled “The Goa Tourism Promotion, Management and Regulation Bill, 2024,” aims to update and consolidate existing tourism laws to better protect and promote Goa’s natural and cultural heritage.
Tourism Safety Force: A dedicated safety force comprising police personnel and “tourist guards” will be established to ensure tourist safety. This force will have the authority to arrest for non-bailable and cognizable offences, conduct searches, seize items, gather evidence, and impose fines for nuisances and touting.
Tourism Guards: These guards will assist in preventing crimes against tourists, support local authorities in preventing drug trafficking and illegal liquor sales, detain violators, and alert tourists about potential threats.
Repealing Old Laws: The new bill will replace the existing Goa, Daman and Diu Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, and the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001.
Sustainability Fee and Incentives: The bill introduces a sustainability fee for tourism enterprises and offers incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as waivers on registration fees and grants for sustainable technology.
Tourism Board: A tourism board will conduct periodic assessments of tourism clusters’ carrying capacities. If an area exceeds its capacity, new registrations and renewals for tourism enterprises in that area will be halted.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized the need for a legal framework to address touting and illegal activities, as current laws are inadequate. The draft bill has been made public for feedback from stakeholders, including industry associations, policy groups, and the general public.
