Goa Tourism Department Strengthens Safety Documentation Process
The tourism department in Goa has significantly strengthened the documentation process for registration and renewal of hotels, homestays, shacks, and watersports operators across the state. This decisive action comes directly in response to recent safety violations discovered at several nightclubs throughout Goa.
Mandatory Fire Safety NOCs for All Accommodations
The department has now made it absolutely mandatory for all guesthouses and homestays to possess a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services. While larger, starred resorts typically obtained these fire NOCs in the past, a new notification issued on Monday extends this critical requirement to smaller establishments.
This includes even spice plantations and small homestays, which must now comply with the same fire safety standards. Tourism Director Kedar Naik issued the formal notification containing these new rules. The stated goal is to streamline mandatory documentation for various touristic services, aligning with the government's broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
Increased Documentation Requirements for Registration
This move represents a shift from a previous policy. Back in August 2022, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte had taken a decision to reduce the number of documents required by tourism establishments for registration or licence renewal. At that time, the department did not require hotels and homestays to submit a valid fire NOC.
Under the new regulations, the required paperwork has increased. Hotels must now submit seven documents for a new registration, a notable jump from the earlier requirement of just three documents. For homestays, the process now demands three documents for new registrations. For renewal, a homestay needs to submit only the fire NOC.
Stricter Rules for Residential Tourism and Other Operators
The tourism department has also introduced stricter rules for residential properties used for tourism. All residential units, apartments, or villas being rented out to tourists for short stays must now submit an NOC from their housing society. Alternatively, they must obtain consent from more than 50% of the residents in the building before offering their property for hospitality purposes.
"All stakeholders involved in tourism activities are hereby directed to submit the required documents, wherever applicable," said Director Kedar Naik. He emphasized the need for full compliance with the prescribed safety norms before applying for any registration or renewal.
Expanded Requirements for Travel Agents and Watersports
The new rules extend beyond traditional accommodations. Even travel agents now require a valid fire NOC from the emergency services directorate when registering or renewing their licence with the tourism department.
For watersports operators, the department has mandated a specific insurance requirement. Operators must possess third-party insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh for each person their vessel can accommodate. This measure aims to enhance passenger safety and financial security.
New Criteria for Tourist Guides
The department has also set new criteria for tourist guides. Only those guides who can provide a 15-year residence certificate issued by a mamlatdar will be eligible for registration with the tourism department. This rule intends to ensure guides have substantial local knowledge and long-term roots in the community.
While the department describes these changes as a move to simplify administrative procedures, the practical effect is an increase in the number of required documents across several tourism categories. The overarching focus remains firmly on improving safety standards and ensuring compliance across Goa's vibrant tourism industry.
