Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: Goa has not witnessed any immediate decline in tourist inflow following the recent fire incident at a nightclub in Arpora, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said, while underlining the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms across tourism-related establishments.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Goa Liberation Day programme in Mapusa, Khaunte described the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane as a tragic and unfortunate incident. He said that although the tourism department does not issue licences to restaurants or nightclubs, it carries the responsibility of promoting Goa as a safe and responsible destination.
“Tourists who visit Goa frequent these establishments, and therefore it is essential that all concerned departments ensure full compliance with statutory safety requirements,” the minister said.
Khaunte pointed out that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has already ordered a state-wide inspection and enforcement drive, following which several establishments have been sealed for violations. He stressed that the incident should serve as a wake-up call to address lapses in regulation and coordination between departments.
Emphasising the government’s approach to tourism promotion, Khaunte said Goa must be projected in the right manner, with safety, accountability and adherence to rules at the forefront. He added that the state continues to focus on diversifying tourism beyond beaches, noting a positive trend in foreign tourist arrivals and steady domestic footfalls.
On air connectivity, the tourism minister acknowledged disruptions caused by recent flight cancellations and said efforts were needed to improve connectivity by encouraging more airlines to operate routes to Goa.
Referring to the loss of lives in the Arpora fire, Khaunte said the focus must now be on corrective measures to ensure such tragedies do not recur. “It is a deeply unfortunate incident. We must take responsibility and ensure that safety standards are strictly followed going forward,” he said.
