Hospitality sector advised on tourist safety, sound limits, employee verification
SDPO Wilson D’Souza and PI Suraja Gawas interact with tourism stakeholders at Mapusa Police Station as part of an outreach drive to promote responsible and safe hospitality practices.
MAPUSA
Following the recent assault on tourists by bouncers of a nightclub in Anjuna, police along the coastal belt have launched an outreach drive, meeting hoteliers and guesthouse owners to stress the importance of courteous behaviour towards visitors.
The Calangute and Anjuna Police held a meeting with owners and representatives of hotels, guest houses and other accommodation establishments falling under its jurisdiction to review preparedness and reinforce safety measures.
The meeting held on Tuesday at the Calangute Police Station was chaired by SDPO Porvorim Vishwesh Karpe along with PI Calangute Paresh Naik, while a similar interaction for stakeholders under the Anjuna Police Station was chaired by SDPO Mapusa Wilson D’Souza and PI Suraja Gawas at the Mapusa Police Station.
Around 150 owners and managers from the local tourism and hospitality sector attended the Calangute meeting, whereas about 75 stakeholders participated in the session organised for the Anjuna jurisdiction.
Police officials emphasised the need for strict compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements, particularly those aimed at safeguarding tourists and maintaining public order during the busy tourist season.
Establishments were directed to ensure that all check-in procedures are properly followed, valid licences maintained and CCTV systems kept functional at all times.
They were further advised to deploy adequate security staff, conduct employee background verification using the Goa Police mobile application, and maintain vigilance against drug and tobacco abuse on their premises.
The police also reminded stakeholders to observe prescribed sound limits and timings for music and to avoid using touts or street agents for soliciting customers, practices which often lead to nuisance or disputes.
Seeking full cooperation from all tourism and hospitality operators, the Calangute Police urged establishments to work closely with law enforcement authorities for prompt reporting of any security or law-and-order issues.
The objective, officers said, is to ensure that Goa retains its image as a safe, clean and welcoming destination for both visitors and locals throughout the season.
