Panaji: Smaller hotels and guesthouses in Goa continue to underreport tourist check-in data, said tourism director Kedar Naik on Monday. He stated that many hotels and guesthouses operate without a valid registration license in the state.
Naik emphasized that such non-compliance hinders effective tourism management and data monitoring of tourist footfall. “A team of department officials will conduct inspections and site visits across the state to verify submission of tourist data and validity of registration licenses,” the director said.
The department issued a reminder to all registered C and D category hotels to ensure regular submission of tourist check-in data through the TIME (Tourist Information Management Enterprise) application.
“It is reiterated that submission of guest check-in data is mandatory under the Goa Tourist Trade Registration Act. Despite repeated reminders and notices, several hotels have been negligent in complying with this requirement,” said Naik.
He further warned that failure to submit the required data will attract penalties and fines, and unauthorized operation of hotels and guesthouses will invite strict action, including closure and legal proceedings. “Individuals operating accommodations through platforms such as Airbnb or similar short-term rental services must obtain registration with the tourism department. Non-compliance in such cases will also be dealt with firmly,” Naik added.
