Goa Keeps a Close Watch on Online Stays to Ensure Registration Compliance

The Goa government has ramped up efforts to regulate and monitor the accommodations listed on online travel agency (OTA) platforms, aiming to prevent unregistered operations and protect residents from disruption. As tourism continues to flourish in the region, authorities are keen to ensure that all lodgings, including homestays, guesthouses, and hotels, are properly registered with the official tourism department. This move is aimed at maintaining standards within the industry and safeguarding the interests of local residents, particularly those living in residential communities where illegal guest accommodation activities have reportedly caused inconvenience.

Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte, briefed the assembly on Monday about these ongoing monitoring measures, assuring that the government is actively keeping a close eye on the compliance of listings on OTAs. During the session, BJP MLA Michael Lobo highlighted the issues faced by citizens due to homestays operating within residential societies, which often attract unruly tourists and lead to disturbances.

In response, Khaunte explained, “Regular watch is kept on accommodations listed on OTAs. They are actively monitored. The government has ensured all inventory of hotel rooms, guesthouses and other stays linked with OTA platforms are registered with the tourism department.”

“Many second homes and residential buildings are being misused for tourist stays without informing the authorities. The people who come to these second homes and operate as tourist accommodations often do so without proper registration,” he admitted.

Khaunte urged housing societies to remain vigilant regarding flats and apartments being illegally converted into guest houses and to immediately notify the tourism department.

“The Goa government will work towards finding a sustainable solution that protects the interests of both residents and the tourism sector,” he assured the assembly.