THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has requested the State government to take stringent action against shack operators who sublet their licences, stating that such practices are harming the tourism industry in the State.
Speaking to reporters, Lobo emphasised that the authorities must cancel the licences of those found guilty of subletting their shacks to third parties.
Lobo pointed out that Goa’s tourism industry is facing several challenges, including a noticeable decline in the number of foreign tourists visiting the State.
He attributed this decline to various malpractices being carried out by stakeholders in the tourism sector, rather than the influence of social media influencers.
Expressing his concerns, the Calangute MLA stated that shacks in Goa must remain true to the State’s rich culinary heritage and cater to international tourists with a mix of Goan and other global cuisines.
He criticised the growing trend of shacks serving dishes such as ‘idli sambar,’ which are traditionally associated with Karnataka and Maharashtra.
According to him, these trends dilute Goa’s unique identity and fail to offer tourists an authentic Goan experience.
Lobo further stressed that the state’s tourism sector is suffering due to unethical practices followed by some operators, which have tarnished Goa’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.
