Goa Tourism Department Delegates Sweeping Enforcement Powers to Deputy Directors
In a significant move to bolster regulatory oversight, the Goa tourism department has expanded the powers of its deputy directors, authorizing them to issue notices, conduct hearings, and impose fines on unregistered tourism operators. This order, which takes immediate effect, aims to streamline enforcement and ensure compliance with state tourism laws.
Enhanced Regulatory Authority for Deputy Directors
Tourism Director Kedar Naik has delegated sweeping regulatory and enforcement powers to the deputy directors of the North Goa and South Goa zones. Under this new directive, deputy directors are now empowered to issue show-cause notices and impose penalties on individuals or establishments operating tourist trade activities without valid registration or in violation of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act.
This delegation of authority includes the power to conduct hearings related to the proposed cancellation of existing registrations and to issue orders accordingly, as stated by Naik in the official order. This move is expected to expedite the handling of regulatory violations and improve accountability within the tourism sector.
Comprehensive Responsibilities for Tourism Oversight
The deputy directors will serve as the overall in-charge for scrutinizing applications, verifying documents, and inspecting various tourism activities. Their oversight extends to:
- Travel agents and agencies
- Private shacks and huts
- Water sports operations
- Adventure sports activities
- Aero sports ventures
Additionally, the order places enforcement teams under the responsibility of the two deputy directors. They will be tasked with maintaining order at beaches and other tourist destinations across the state, including the prevention and control of activities declared as nuisances under the legislation.
Unchanged Committee for Hotel Categorization
It is important to note that a separate committee for the categorization and rate fixation of hotels under A, B, C, and D classifications, constituted under a 2013 notification, continues to remain in force and is unaffected by this order. Naik emphasized that this delegation of powers is specifically aimed at enhancing enforcement against unregistered operators, while existing structures for hotel classification remain intact.
This strategic delegation is expected to strengthen Goa's tourism regulatory framework, ensuring a more organized and compliant tourism industry that can better serve visitors and maintain the state's reputation as a premier destination.
