Goa Passes Bill to Curb Touting at Tourist Spots
Goa, known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, has long been a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, the state’s tourism industry has often been plagued by the menace of touting, which has led to a negative experience for many visitors. In an effort to curb this problem, the Goa Assembly has passed a bill introducing stricter measures to eliminate touting at tourist spots.
The new bill, which was passed with a majority vote, raises the fine limit for touting-related offenses to ₹1 lakh (approximately $14,000 USD). Additionally, it criminalizes obstruction of free tourist movement and coercive sales tactics, which are often used by touts to intimidate and manipulate tourists.
According to Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the new bill is a positive step towards regulating and eliminating touting activities in the state. “There are agents for everything, and this bill is a positive step to regulate and eliminate touting activities,” he said.
Touting has long been a problem in Goa, with tourists often being approached by aggressive vendors and guides who offer to show them around or sell them goods at inflated prices. This not only creates an unpleasant experience for tourists but also undermines the state’s tourism industry by driving away visitors who are looking for a genuine experience.
The new bill is designed to address this issue by providing stricter penalties for those who engage in touting activities. Under the new law, anyone found guilty of touting can be fined up to ₹1 lakh, which is a significant increase from the previous fine of ₹5,000.
In addition to the fine, the bill also criminalizes obstruction of free tourist movement and coercive sales tactics. This means that anyone who tries to physically block a tourist’s path or uses intimidating tactics to sell them goods or services can be arrested and charged with a criminal offense.
The bill is seen as a major step forward in the state’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and provide a better experience for visitors. By regulating touting activities, the state hopes to encourage more tourists to visit Goa and stay longer, which will have a positive impact on the local economy.
The new law is also expected to benefit local businesses and entrepreneurs who are genuinely interested in providing services to tourists. By eliminating touting, the state is creating a level playing field for all businesses, which will help to promote fair competition and drive innovation.
The bill is also seen as a positive step towards promoting responsible tourism in Goa. Responsible tourism is a growing trend in the industry, which focuses on minimizing the negative impact of tourism on local communities and the environment.
In Goa, responsible tourism is seen as a key strategy for promoting sustainable development and reducing the state’s carbon footprint. By promoting responsible tourism, the state is encouraging visitors to respect local culture and traditions, reduce their waste and energy consumption, and support local businesses and communities.
In conclusion, the Goa Assembly’s decision to pass a bill to curb touting at tourist spots is a positive step towards promoting sustainable tourism and providing a better experience for visitors. The new law is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s tourism industry, by eliminating touting activities and promoting fair competition among businesses.
As Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said, “There are agents for everything, and this bill is a positive step to regulate and eliminate touting activities.” The new law is a major step forward in the state’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and provide a better experience for visitors.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/b5910808-af5e-41c3-84e9-17134a421e58
