Says Goa continues to be safe, hospitable
PANAJI
Expressing confidence that Goa will bounce back from the aftermath of the Birch nightclub tragedy, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has urged not to cast the coastal State in a negative light following the tragedy, emphasising that the State continues to be safe, hospitable, and firmly dedicated to ensuring visitor safety.
Speaking on the recent setbacks faced by the tourism industry, Khaunte described the Arpora fire incident as “deeply unfortunate”, acknowledging the pain it has caused but cautioning against using it to paint Goa in a poor light.
He emphasised that Goa has earned decades of goodwill and trust as a premier tourism destination, both within India and overseas, and that this reputation must not be undermined.
Khaunte said that December is traditionally one of the strongest months for tourism in the State, but recent developments posed unexpected challenges.
He pointed to the temporary disruption caused by IndiGo’s flight cancellations, which led to short-term instability in air connectivity and a spike in fares. While calling the situation “unacceptable”, he noted that it was not unique to Goa and that timely intervention from the Centre helped ease concerns. “The situation is gradually stabilising, and we expect complete normalization in the coming days,” he said.
Just as the State was working to overcome these difficulties, the Birch fire incident struck, further shaking public sentiment, he added. “This tragedy was extremely painful,” the Minister said, adding that it should not lead to Goa being labelled as an unsafe or problematic destination.
Khaunte stressed that thousands of Goan families depend on the tourism sector, and urged the media to help present factual, balanced reporting that supports resilience and recovery. “Goa is safe, remains welcoming, and remains open,” he asserted.
At the same time, the Minister reiterated that safety standards must be non-negotiable. He said the incident serves as a reminder that regulations cannot be treated as optional, and clarified that illegal and unauthorized structures will face strict enforcement action. “There can be no compromise on visitor safety,” he noted.
With tourist arrivals increasing year after year, Khaunte said the State must focus on strengthening the local environment and building greater confidence among travellers. He underlined the need for Goa to not only attract visitors but also ensure the protection of both residents and tourists.
“We will bounce back from this phase,” he said. “When this passes—and it will—Goa must emerge stronger, with better regulatory frameworks, more resilience and greater preparedness than ever before.”
Calling for collective effort from stakeholders, citizens and the media, the Minister concluded: “Goa is safe and secure. Let us work together to promote the State across national and international platforms while ensuring that safety and security remain top priorities.”
