MARGAO: Labelling the draft Goa Tourism Promotion, Management and Regulation Bill 2023 as ‘draconian’ and against local business owners, tourism stakeholders from across Salcete taluka demanded that the Bill be scrapped and that in the interim period, the deadline for submitting feedback to this Bill, which expires on July 6, be extended.
These stakeholders, which included hotelier and Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, met Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai on Thursday at the Janta Darbar organised at the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) hall. Sardesai gave them an assurance that he would take up their grievances not only with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte but also raise it during the upcoming Assembly session. Sardesai also questioned the rationale for charging 2% fees to the business operators across the board, including someone who sells tea to tourists under the guise of ‘sustainable tourism practice’.
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The Fatorda MLA criticised the bill’s attempt to create a parallel authority through such new tourism policies, potentially granting the Tourism Department powers similar to other State departments. “This deadline is too short. It’s more of an imposition on local businesses. I oppose the 2% fee and demand that the department first consult with stakeholders,” Sardesai stated. Stakeholders argued that the Bill’s 70-odd sections overwhelmingly disadvantage Goans, potentially treating local residents as tourists in certain areas.
The stakeholders warned that the new Bill will mean even a small gathering of 20 people or a function like a christening or Christmas party will need government permission first. The group highlighted the Bill’s disproportionate penalties, with fines ranging from Rs one lakh to 10 lakh for businesses, while touts face only a Rs 10,000 fine. They also pointed out the disparity between fees paid by legally-run businesses and those paid by apartment owners renting to tourists.
