Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s tourism industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, drawing millions of visitors each year. To ensure seamless operations and data-driven decision-making, the Department of Tourism has introduced the Tourist Information Management Enterprise (TIME), a crucial initiative aimed at streamlining the collection of tourist data from accommodation providers.
Under this initiative, every hotelier and accommodation unit is required to submit Statistics Proforma (Form-XI) data on a monthly basis. The submission deadline is the 5th of each month, ensuring that the Department of Tourism receives timely and accurate statistics regarding tourist stays. The data must be submitted online through the official Goa Online portal, making the process more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders.
Compliance with this regulation is directly linked to the renewal of registration certificates for accommodation providers. Hoteliers who fail to upload the required statistics for the preceding year will not be eligible for renewal, reinforcing the importance of timely data submission. By enforcing this mandate, the Department of Tourism aims to improve the overall management of tourism-related data, ensuring that policies and infrastructure developments are backed by accurate and up-to-date information.
While the initiative has been welcomed by many in the tourism industry, some stakeholders believe that its implementation needs to be more stringent. Mrs. Smita Patil, Owner of NV Eco Agro Tourism Pvt. Ltd., operating as NV Ecofarm, expressed her concerns about the system’s enforcement, stating, “A commendable initiative by the government, but unfortunately, its implementation lacks proper enforcement in ensuring that every stakeholder submits the required data. I hope the tourism department takes strict measures to make data submission mandatory for all registered hotels and also ensures that unregistered accommodations are brought under the system. There are numerous guest houses operating without registration, which leads to gaps in tourism data. Proper data collection will enable the department to identify key areas of focus and improve tourism planning.”
Accurate tourism data plays a vital role in shaping Goa’s tourism landscape. Reliable statistics help the government formulate better policies, allocate resources efficiently, and enhance visitor experiences. Additionally, it allows for a more structured approach to sustainable tourism, aligning with the state’s broader vision of Regenerative Tourism. By tracking visitor trends, authorities can make informed decisions to promote responsible tourism while ensuring that the industry thrives in a balanced and sustainable manner.
The introduction of TIME marks a significant step toward a more organized and transparent tourism ecosystem in Goa. With digital reporting becoming mandatory, this initiative strengthens governance, benefits hospitality businesses, and contributes to a more efficient, data-driven tourism sector. Hoteliers are encouraged to comply with the submission requirements to ensure uninterrupted operations and support the collective growth of Goa’s tourism industry.
