Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 29: The Goa Tourism Department is examining stricter action against residential apartments and villas being operated as unauthorised short-term tourist rentals, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has said.

The state authorities are reviewing a recent Supreme Court order directing officials across the country to seal residential premises being used for commercial activities. The proposed action could affect Goa’s growing short-term rental market, where residential properties are rented to tourists without the required registration with the Tourism Department.

A significant number of non-Goan property buyers who have purchased second homes in gated residential complexes are reportedly renting them out to holidaymakers without registering the properties with the department.

While the practice provides an additional source of income for property owners, it has also raised concerns among permanent residents over safety, security and disturbances caused by short-term occupants.

The government has also raised concerns over possible tax leakages and revenue losses for registered C and D category hotels operating within the regulated tourism sector.

As part of efforts to ensure compliance, the state government has directed Online Travel Aggregators (OTAs) to list only properties that have been verified and registered with the Goa Tourism Department.

Unregistered villas, homestays and flats found operating in violation of residential zoning norms could face closure and sealing under the judicial directive.

The proposed action is expected to bring greater scrutiny to Goa’s short-term rental market and strengthen enforcement against residential properties being used for commercial tourism activities.