PANAJI
The Goa Small and Medium Hotels Association (GSMHA) has demanded action against around 11,200 hotels in the State which are allegedly operating without valid permissions from authorities.
"As per the 2020 report prepared by government appointed agency, Goa has 3,835 registered hotels and around 11,200 hotels are illegal. Which means about 76% of illegal tourism in the state. Strong action should be taken on such illegal hotels,” said Serafin Cota, President of Small and Medium Hoteliers Association of Goa.
Two days ago, the GSMHA had submitted a memorandum to Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte with their demand for action against the illegal hotels, after claiming there are illegal hotels in all categories from normal one room hotels to five-starred hotels.
“Then tourism minister Babu Ajgaonkar had not taken any action on the report, but Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has shown interest in the demand of GSMHA. He gave us a patient hearing for about half an hour and as per our information, action on illegal hotels have been started,” said Cota.
Cota said such action is needed to prevent revenue loss and for fair competition.
“After obtaining licences after complying with all conditions and then paying GST and legal electricity fee, we then have to compete with those who are running business illegally,” said Cota.
Cota pointed out that small and medium hoteliers are the main backbone of the hotel industry in Goa, adding that the room inventory of such hotels is more than the room inventory of the five-starred hotel industry.
Cota also demanded that the GSMHA be given representation by the government along with the Travel and Tour Association of Goa (TTAG) in decision making related to tourism in Goa.
"It is always said the TTAG is the apex hotel body. But actually, it is not so. The government should consider the small hoteliers also. Our problems are not recognised and taken up by the TTAG. The government should hold parallel discussions with TTAG while making policies,” said Cota.
"One person from the SMHAG should be there in the tourism board, if formed by the government. The is a member of TTAG when hotels are inspected by the government for the purpose of certification and we have now demanded a member of the SMHAG to also be present during the inspection,” said Cota.
