PANAJI
With the tourism season less than a month away, Goa has begun preparations to welcome visitors, with beach shack operators set to start receiving licences from today, September 10.
The Tourism Department, in a press statement on Wednesday, said it would begin issuing beach shack licences from September 10, with the Goa government extending the existing Beach Shack Policy by another year ahead of the 2026-27 tourist season.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the extension would provide continuity to shack operators and allow them to prepare for the season in advance.
“The beach shack is an integral part of Goa’s tourism identity and an important source of livelihood for thousands of people. Extending the policy and keeping the fee structure unchanged gives operators the stability they need to prepare for the season,” he said.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said the department had advanced the licensing process to ensure operators did not lose time waiting to start their businesses.
“It will give operators the opportunity to get their establishments ready well in advance. They will also get the Ganesh Chaturthi weekend to welcome and cater to tourists,” Naik said.
The extension comes amid a regulatory change under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment) Act, 2026, which makes registration with the Tourism Department mandatory for private shacks operating in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas.
