Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 11: Amid rising concerns following the tragic Arpora nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has reassured travellers that the state remains “safe, welcoming and fully prepared” to host domestic and international visitors during the peak New Year season.

Addressing reporters after a high-level stakeholder meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Khaunte urged people not to generalise the isolated tragedy as a reflection of the state’s tourism ecosystem.

“Just because of one unfortunate situation, saying that it applies to all of Goa—that should not happen,” Khaunte said. “Goa has years of goodwill, hospitality and trust among tourists. We continue to uphold that reputation.”

The minister stressed that the deadly fire has compelled the government to revisit long-standing safety lapses across the sector. Calling it an “uncomfortable but necessary truth,” Khaunte emphasised that safety norms must be non-negotiable.

“Safety cannot be compromised, regulations cannot be optional, and action against illegal and unauthorised structures will be taken immediately,” he said, adding that enforcement drives are already underway across major tourism hubs.

Tourism Sector Faces Dual Pressures

The blaze at the Arpora nightclub comes at a time when Goa’s tourism sector is already grappling with disruptions caused by a wave of IndiGo flight cancellations, which have reduced connectivity and driven up airfares during the state’s busiest month.

Despite these setbacks, Khaunte reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience.

“We want to say that Goa is safe, Goa remains welcoming, and Goa remains open,” he affirmed.

Safety to Drive Future Tourism Growth

Khaunte underlined that the government will not allow tourism expansion at the cost of public safety. He said action against touts, unauthorised establishments and non-compliant operators will continue without exception.

“We need a Goa that continues to attract visitors while protecting its people—a Goa that grows tourism without compromising on safety or sustainability,” he said.

The consultative meeting brought together key stakeholders to address industry concerns and strengthen safety mechanisms across the tourism landscape. Khaunte said the government is taking the incident “very seriously” and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all travellers heading to Goa during the festive season and beyond.