Goa [India], August 7 (ANI): The Goa Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte has endorese the Goa Tourist Places bil, stating that the rapid expansion of tourism has resulted in the rise of unauthorised practices and violations of public decorum at many destinations. He emphasised that the amendment provides a much-needed legal mechanism to curb these issues and uphold the sanctity of Goa's tourist places.

'This legislation is a step in the right direction to address growing concerns and to maintain Goa's reputation as a responsible and world-class tourism destination,' the Minister said.

However, the rapid expansion of tourism activities has also led to an increase in nuisance at tourist places, affecting the experience of visitors and locals in the State, disturbing public order, and causing environmental degradation.

Instances of unauthorised activities, disturbances, and violations of public decorum have been on the rise, necessitating a stronger legal framework to address these concerns.

Tourism Director, Kedar Naik, mentioned that the only intent of this amendment is 'to request tourists to behave properly'.

'In this amendment, we have specifically extended the definition of nuisance. The only intent of this amendment is to request that tourists behave properly. A lot of things have been brought in under the definition of nuisance - littering on the beach and other things,' said the Goa Tourism Director, Kedar Naik.

'The fine for doing this nuisance has been increased. If anyone were caught doing something, we could have fined them up to Rs 5000. Now it has been increased from Rs 5000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending upon the severity of the nuisance,' the Goa Tourism Director added further.

The new provisions outline a wider ambit of activities that now qualify as public nuisance at tourist locations. These include pestering tourists to purchase goods or services, consumption of alcohol in unauthorised areas, littering, open-air cooking, unauthorised hawking, ticket touting, and the illegal operation of water sports and boating activities. Such activities have not only disrupted public order but have also led to a decline in the overall experience for both tourists and local communities.

The amendment is aimed at preserving the integrity of Goa's tourist places, promoting responsible and regenerative tourism, and creating a hospitable environment while protecting the interests of local communities and stakeholders. (ANI)