The Goa Legislative Assembly passed the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Amendment Bill, 2025, on Friday, introducing stringent measures to curb unauthorized touting and public nuisances at tourist hotspots. The legislation, tabled by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, significantly strengthens the 2001 Act by expanding the definition of “nuisance” and hiking fines to a maximum of ₹1 lakh, aiming to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors to India’s premier beach destination.
The bill, passed after a robust discussion, addresses the growing issue of unregulated activities that have plagued Goa’s tourism sector, which welcomed over 8.5 million visitors in 2024. “There are agents for everything, and this bill is a positive step to regulate and eliminate touting activities,” Khaunte said, emphasizing the need to protect tourists from harassment and maintain public order.
The amended law targets a wide range of offenses, including pestering tourists to buy goods or services, unauthorized hawking, begging, operating vehicles on beaches, cooking in open areas, littering, breaking glass bottles, consuming alcohol in unauthorized zones, and running water sports or ticket sales from non-designated areas. It also prohibits coercive sales tactics and obstructing tourists’ free movement, as well as promoting out-of-state tourism services without permission.
Violators now face a minimum fine of ₹5,000, extendable to ₹1 lakh, alongside penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, for disobeying a public servant’s order. A new Section 10A mandates a biennial review of fines, allowing adjustments of up to 10% every two years based on recommendations from the competent authority, ensuring penalties remain effective amid rising tourist footfall.
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The bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons highlights the necessity of these measures due to increasing violations that disrupt public order, degrade the environment, and tarnish Goa’s reputation as a tourist-friendly state. Incidents of touting, pollution from illegal beach activities, and aggressive sales tactics have risen, particularly in popular areas like Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna. In 2024, over 1,200 complaints were lodged with the Goa Tourism Department regarding touts and unauthorized vendors, prompting calls for stricter enforcement.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the move. “This will make beaches safer and cleaner,” said Savio Messias, president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa. However, some shack owners expressed concerns about enforcement clarity, urging the government to train police and tourism officials to avoid overzealous fines. The bill aligns with Goa’s push for “regenerative tourism,” focusing on sustainability and visitor satisfaction, as outlined in the state’s Tourism Master Plan 2023-28.
As Goa prepares for the peak winter season, the government hopes the new law will deter nuisances, boost tourist confidence, and reinforce the state’s image as a world-class destination. With environmental groups and residents advocating for cleaner beaches, the legislation marks a pivotal step toward balancing tourism growth with public welfare.
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