elling water sports tickets illegally now a punishable offence
The Goa Tourism Department has launched a major crackdown on the illegal sale of water sports tickets by unregistered travel agencies and unauthorized online platforms. This initiative aims to protect local Goan operators, promote fair tourism practices, and ensure a consistent and transparent experience for visitors.
During a recent meeting, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized that unauthorized ticket sales—especially those conducted by operators outside Goa—will be treated as a public nuisance and a punishable offence. The new policy seeks to end rampant ticket sales through online portals and unregistered agencies, some of which have been operating from neighboring states like Maharashtra.
Key Measures Announced:
- Only recognized Goan associations or official platforms will be authorized to sell water sports tickets.
- Unauthorized ticket sales—online or offline—will be penalized.
- Panchayats, tourism departments, and police will collaborate to enforce these regulations.
- Standardized kiosks, color-coded counters, and mandatory ID cards for staff will be introduced to bring accountability.
- Tourists are advised to purchase tickets only through official links or department-approved vendors.
By implementing these measures, the Goa government aims to safeguard the interests of local businesses and ensure tourists enjoy a safe and legitimate water sports experience.