PANAJI
Reiterating the government's commitment to crackdown on illegal businesses in the tourism sector, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has warned hotels found in violation of regulations of penal action besides the revocation of permissions.
"Hotels which are illegally appointing touts and fleecing tourists will face stringent action including cancellation of their excise license and other permissions," Sawant said while launching the Home Stay and Caravan policies in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday.
The two policies, CM said, will help further enhance hinterland tourism even as the government is looking at coming up with another policy for adventure tourism soon.
"The Home Stay policy will help the people residing in Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Sattari, Bicholim and Pernem talukas in a big way," Sawant added.
Khaunte revealed the policy is valid for a period of five years. "When a tourist visits rural area, they understand our culture, heritage, and cuisine. Tourists start exploring what they have not explored before. The Homestay Policy will benefit the local community," he said.
In this policy, the first 100 homestays will have a grant of Rs 2 lakh, electricity and water tariff on par with the domestic, and benefit of the MoU signed by Goa government with Air BNB, etc.
The registration fee of Rs 1,000 and the other fees would be waived. On the other hand, the Caravan policy will offer alternate travel experiences. "Amenities would be created for this kind of tourist in the beach belt also as we go into the lush green forest, the areas would be earmarked for the parking of caravans," Khaunte said.
