With foreign enquiries already coming from the UK, Russia and Denmark, shack owners thank the government for early action but urge it to rein in touts and ensure smooth operations
MARGAO
With shack allotments and demarcation completed in August, shack owners have already begun setting up along the beach belt and are hopeful of a good season this year.
President of the Goa Shack Owners Society, Cruz Cardozo, said that owners are already receiving enquiries from foreign tourists. He added that they expect a positive season, especially with the government promoting Goa in Scandinavian countries like Denmark, as well as in Russia and the United Kingdom.
Speaking to the media, Cardozo urged the government to control touts on the beaches, blaming them for damaging tourism. He thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the Tourism Director and officials for issuing shack licences in August.
“Last time too, licences were given in August, but this year the Tourism Department, on the Minister’s instructions, has also carried out demarcation early. This has allowed shack owners to begin work sooner,” he said.
Cardozo recalled the meeting held by the Chief Minister with shack operators on July 10, where owners were able to share their concerns. “At that meeting, the Chief Minister promised full support to shack owners. He is very keen to improve tourism in the state,” he said.
He further added: “The news of early shack setup has spread abroad, and we are already getting enquiries from customers in the UK and Russia. We thank the government for taking a proactive role.”
Asked about the last season, Cardozo said business had ups and downs but ended well in May. He explained that shacks are dismantled by the end of May as required by Tourism rules. “Although it is difficult to set up and dismantle every year, we are now used to it. June, July and August remain the off-season, and we face challenges during this period,” he said.
