Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has called for stringent action against tourist touts, including arrests and a graded system of fines for repeat offenders, to prevent visitors from being harassed and allegedly overcharged in the coastal tourism belt.
Lobo proposed that the penalty for a first offence should be ₹5,000, with fines increasing to ₹10,000, ₹15,000, ₹20,000 and ₹25,000 for subsequent violations.
He said imposing financial penalties alone may not be sufficient to deter persistent offenders and stressed the need for arrests in cases of repeated touting.
According to Lobo, touting has the potential to damage Goa’s image as a tourist destination, particularly when visitors are subjected to persistent solicitation or allegedly charged excessive amounts for services.
With the tourist season approaching, the MLA said the matter requires urgent attention and called for coordinated action by the police, government departments and local authorities.
He said a joint enforcement mechanism would help identify repeat offenders, ensure that complaints from tourists are acted upon promptly and maintain a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors.
