The Goa Tourism Department is evaluating a major crackdown on residential apartments and villas being operated as unauthorised short-term tourist rentals, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has confirmed.
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 is expected to target Goa’s growing “parallel tourism” sector, where residential properties are being commercially rented to tourists without the necessary tourism registration.
A significant number of non-Goan buyers who have purchased second homes in gated residential complexes are reportedly renting out their properties to holidaymakers without registering them with the Goa Tourism Department.
While the practice offers property owners an additional revenue stream, it has raised concerns among permanent residents over safety, security and disturbances caused by short-term occupants. The government has also highlighted the potential for tax leakages and revenue losses to registered C and D category hotels operating within the regulated tourism sector.
As part of efforts to enforce compliance, the state government has instructed Online Travel Aggregators (OTAs) to ensure that only properties verified and registered with the Goa Tourism Department are featured on their platforms.
Unregistered villas, homestays and flats found operating in violation of residential zoning norms could face closure and sealing under the judicial mandate.
The proposed crackdown is likely to bring greater scrutiny to Goa’s short-term rental market and strengthen enforcement against residential properties being used for commercial tourism operations.