Staff Reporter
Panaji
Tightening norms for water sports operations, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Thursday said that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tourism Department has been made mandatory before obtaining permission from the Captain of Ports.
The decision comes in the wake of a recent incident at Calangute where a tourist died and 20 others were rescued after their boat capsized.
The minister held a meeting with stakeholders at Mantralaya in Porvorim to discuss the new regulations.
“Obtaining an NOC from the Tourism Department would be mandatory for all water sports operations,” Khaunte told reporters.
“We have already conveyed this to the stakeholders involved in water sports activities,” he said, adding that the Tourism Department would also issue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regulate water sports activities.
Khaunte also said that the Tourism Department has instructed cruise boat owners to incorporate Goan music and food into their offerings for tourists.
“Tourists must experience Goan music and food during their cruise rides. This will be showcased as part of our cruise tourism experience,” he said.
The minister also criticised certain social media influencers, accusing them of spreading false information about Goa’s tourism.
“Some paid influencers are spreading fake news about Goa tourism,” he said.
Despite this, Khaunte stated that Goa is experiencing significant crowds this tourism season.
