Tourism issues need shared responsibility across all depts: Khaunte

Panaji: Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said it was “high time” that Goa’s hospitality sector was classified as an industry, adding that there are many tourism-related issues in the state. Khaunte said that when touts, stray dogs on beaches, or potholes on roads are seen, “it is tourism”, and said the responsibility for addressing such issues must be shared across departments.

The Ladakh administration elevated registered hotels and guest houses to formal ‘industry’ status effective June 1.

Khaunte said the tourism department continuously works to ensure that “every part is looked at” and that tourists and stakeholders must be equally responsible. He said the requirements for a single-window system for water sports should be completed before the next season.

The minister said the director of tourism has been asked to hold a joint meeting with forest officials to ensure the monsoon tourism season is properly managed, particularly adventure and hinterland tourism.

He also raised concerns about unregistered tour operators curating events in hinterland areas without any responsibility or concern for the environment. As Goa discusses regenerative tourism, Khaunte said there were ambassadors such as Parag Rangnekar who wanted to promote Goa “in the right manner”.

He said the tourism director and secretary have been asked to set the registration process for agencies operating hinterland nature tours, and the department has been told to submit a document detailing rules, regulations and responsibilities to ensure quick implementation.