PANAJI: The Goa Tourism Department has announced a major crackdown on the illegal sale of water sports tickets by unregistered travel agencies, including those operating from outside the State.
The move comes as part of a wider effort to protect traditional Goan operators, curb touting, and ensure a transparent, regulated, and consistent experience for tourists.
In a meeting held today, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte met with coastal MLAs, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, and Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, along with representatives of all Goan water sports associations, the Captain of Ports, and senior officials from the Tourism Department to review ongoing enforcement measures and strengthen coordination.
Khaunte said the government has taken a firm stand against unauthorized ticket sales that have become rampant through online portals and unregistered travel agencies. “Many travel agencies, including those from Maharashtra, are selling Goa water sports tickets online without permission. The Tourism Department, along with local Panchayats and associations, will act against such agencies to ensure that only recognized Goan associations or official platforms can sell tickets,” he stated.
He added that such unauthorized activity will now be treated as a punishable offense under the amended ‘nuisance law’. “Through this law, tickets sold for water sports activities outside Goa or by unapproved operators will be treated as a nuisance, and strict action will be taken under the due provisions,” the Minister said, adding that the Transport Department and Tourist Police will assist in the enforcement drive.
Khaunte also confirmed that uniform rates for all water sports activities across North and South Goa have been officially notified through a Gazette notification. “Water sports is a traditional Goan business, and regulation, transparency, and consistency must be maintained. With uniform rates and strict enforcement, we can ensure fair business practices and the best experience for every tourist,” he said.
To further streamline operations, the Tourism Department will implement standardized kiosks, color-coded counters, and mandatory ID cards for staff, while tourists will be encouraged to buy tickets only through official counters or links promoted by the department.
The meeting also decided to initiate joint enforcement drives involving the Captain of Ports, Department of Tourism, and Coastal Police to curb illegal operations, particularly during the monsoon ban period when permissions for water sports and backwater activities are suspended to protect marine biodiversity.
Concluding the meeting, Khaunte said, “Goa’s water sports operators are the ambassadors of our tourism industry. By ensuring transparency and taking firm action against illegalities, we’re safeguarding both local livelihoods and the State’s tourism reputation.”
