Tourism department cracks down on unauthorised watersports marketing and salesP

Panaji: Tourism department will take strict action against unauthorised marketing of watersports activities by online portals and travel agents, said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday.After a meeting with coastal MLAs and watersports operators, Khaunte said the aim is to ensure transparency and uniformity in tariffs across the state. “Currently, several travel agencies, both online and offline, are selling watersports packages without authorisation. The department, in coordination with local panchayats and watersports associations, will enforce strict measures to curb this activity.

We have decided to restrict such agencies from selling watersports packages that hamper legitimate business,” he said.Highlighting that watersports is primarily a local Goan business, Khaunte raised concern over the entry of operators from other states, particularly fly-by-night agencies. He said several travel agencies were diverting tourists by selling tickets for watersports in coastal areas of other states, an offence under The Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in the July assembly session.

“With the help of transport department and tourist police, we are moving towards proper enforcement to address this issue. The department will integrate and promote official watersports operators’ websites on the Goa tourism portal to ensure visitors get authentic information,” Khaunte said.The meeting was attended by MLAs Michael Lobo, Kedar Naik, Sankalp Amonkar, Delilah Lobo, tourism director Kedar Naik, captain of ports Octavio Rodrigues, police officers, and senior officials.The department has already notified rates proposed by watersports associations and is working on a uniform kiosk design for the state. “Uniform rates from North to South Goa have been finalised and will be followed by all associations. Kiosks will have a standard look and feel, making them easily identifiable as official watersports kiosks,” said Khaunte.He added that the captain of ports has been instructed not to permit any tourism activities during the monsoon ban period, including in backwaters, to protect marine biodiversity.