PANJIM: The Department of Tourism has warned the hotels/guest houses of ‘punitive action’ for denying essential daily requirements to its stranded guests. Director Menino D’Souza issued a circular on Tuesday in the wake of complaints from guests and employees of hotels.
“We have been receiving several complaints from guests and employees of hotels, who have been stranded and required to stay back at the hotels due to the lockdown imposed in the State due to outbreak of the COVID-19 virus; that they are denied food and also being asked to vacate the premises or being overcharged. It may be noted that in this unprecedented situation all hoteliers have to ensure the safety and well-being of the stranded uests/employees,” the circular states.
“All such hotels/guest houses are therefore directed to take proper care of their guests by providing them food, shelter, medicines, etc. if any hotel/guesthouse is found violating the above directions, they shall be liable for punitive action, which may entail cancelation of their license as well as penal action as provided under the law,” D’Souza further said.
Several individuals including foreign nationals are stranded in Goa in view of the lockdown as a result of the pandemic outbreak. The District Administration along with the Goa police and volunteers have been making efforts to reach out to them including migrants, providing them the relief required. The State has also set up shelter camps.
Since March 25, a total of 925 adult and 5 infant passengers from different countries have been flown back to their respective countries through six relief flights.
