CALANGUTE: Booking agents who charge double the rates for boat trips are spoiling the name of watersports operators, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said on Monday at the inauguration of the renovated Sinquerim watersports counter, fishing ramp and other facilities.
He said only water sports operators who are registered should be allowed to sell tickets for boat trips to stop overcharging by booking agents.
“There are agents who are doing all kinds of tourism businesses. There are some who are charging tourists Rs 3,000 for a boat trip costing Rs 1,500. That has been creating problems for locals because the tourists then say they got cheated by watersports operators. The village panchayats in the coastal belt should shut down all shops offering boat trips who are not registered watersports operators,” he said.
Besides, the booking counter, a fishing ramp and toilets for tourists have also been renovated at the Sinquerim jetty. This was a long-pending demand, Lobo said. “International tourists who come for boat trips would be frightened away by the dilapidated condition of the jetty,” he said.
Candolim Sarpanch Fermino Fernandes said the renovation work was made possible through funds by boat owners, the panchayat and through corporate social responsibility (CSR) by resorts and said watersports in Sinquerim and Candolim will continue to remain with the locals. Watersports operators also reiterated that they will never allow Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) to take over the ticketing operations.
