Goa Tourism has taken a major step forward in regulating and streamlining water sports operations across the State. At a high-level meeting held in Panjim on October 10, 2025, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte engaged with key stakeholders including the Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Deputy Director Smt Diksha Tari, Captain of Ports Shri Octavio Rodrigues, and representatives of the Water Sports Association of Goa to discuss a cohesive plan for the upcoming tourism season.
The meeting primarily addressed long-standing concerns around lack of standardization in pricing, the need for clearly branded kiosks, and the pressing issue of illegal water sports operations. The Department of Tourism has committed to introducing a uniform rate structure that will apply across all Goan beaches, bringing in much-needed transparency and consistency for tourists and operators alike.
Hon’ble Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized that water sports are a major draw for visitors and it is essential to offer them a safe, fair, and high-quality experience. He also assured the traditional Goan operators that their legacy and contributions to the industry will be safeguarded, positioning them as key partners in the effort to elevate Goa’s tourism standards.
The Minister also highlighted plans for a forthcoming joint meeting that will include coastal MLAs, enforcement agencies, and other relevant departments to build consensus and implement stringent measures against unauthorized ticketing and unlicensed operations that disrupt the integrity of the tourism sector.
Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed the importance of enforcement and inter-departmental coordination. He noted that uniform kiosk branding and regulated pricing will not only improve service quality but also enhance the image of Goa as a premium coastal destination. He reassured registered operators of the Department’s continued support in protecting their interests and ensuring fair competition.
The Water Sports Association of Goa welcomed the initiative and thanked the Department for its proactive approach. The Association noted that a regulated rate structure would protect operators from being undercut by illegal players and would also ensure that tourists are not misled or overcharged by unauthorized agents.
In conclusion, the Department confirmed that once the uniform rate structure is gazetted, operations will resume across major beaches in a more regulated and transparent fashion. Coordination with the Captain of Ports will be strengthened to ensure that only licensed operators are permitted to conduct activities.
This initiative marks a significant stride in improving the standards of coastal tourism in Goa. By enforcing discipline and supporting genuine operators, the Government is working to ensure that visitors to Goa enjoy safe, memorable, and trustworthy experiences — further reinforcing the State’s reputation as India’s premier beach tourism destination.
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