Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: Beach shack owners in North Goa have raised concerns that the increasing practice of subleasing licensed shacks is hurting both revenue and service quality across the sector.
Representatives of local bodies say several licence holders are choosing to rent out their shacks to outside operators for high returns rather than running them themselves. This arrangement, they claim, has weakened responsibility on the ground and led to a noticeable decline in standards, especially toward the end of the tourist season.
John Lobo, general secretary of the Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS), said the issue has been repeatedly brought to the government’s attention. He stressed that firm enforcement is needed so that only those genuinely interested in operating shacks retain licences.
Industry estimates suggest that a large number of shacks along the Calangute–Candolim belt have already shut operations, largely due to a significant fall in foreign tourist arrivals. Of the total establishments, only those in busy stretches such as Baga, the main Calangute beachfront and parts of Candolim continue to see steady footfall, mainly driven by domestic visitors.
Although authorities had taken action in 2025 by cancelling licences in cases of illegal subletting, operators say the practice still continues in various pockets.
Manuel Cardozo, who heads the Traditional Shack Owners Association, questioned why certain shacks remain open despite low customer turnout. He noted that several units in areas like Tivaiwaddo had closed earlier in the season due to lack of business.
Stakeholders also pointed to a broader slowdown in international tourism, attributing it to global uncertainties and increased travel expenses. Locations that depend heavily on foreign visitors, including Tivaiwaddo, Gauravaddo and some parts of Candolim, have been among the worst affected, with many operators shutting shop ahead of schedule.
In contrast, shacks situated near major access points and areas popular with domestic tourists have managed to sustain operations longer.
Operators caution that unless stricter measures are taken to curb subletting and tourist inflow improves, the difficulties facing the sector are likely to continue.
