Shack operators call for crackdown on touts, better garbage management – ET TravelWorld

The tourism department held a review meeting with shack operators to address challenges and concerns affecting tourists. During the meeting, the errant functioning of beach shacks was discussed, along with challenges related to garbage management, noise levels, and the growing presence of unregulated vendors along the coastline.

Shack operators urged the department to crack down on touts, unauthorised vendors, and hawkers on the beach. They also asked the department to streamline the garbage collection process. “Touts have to be stopped. It is these touts, agents, and beach vendors who are giving Goa a bad name. These vendors have still not reduced. They sell fruits and tea on the beach,” said shack owners’ welfare society president Cruz Cardozo.

Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte and tourism director Kedar Naik were present for the meeting. “The new beach cleaning contractor is collecting garbage that is along the shore, but the timings are not consistent. Sometimes they come at 12pm, which is lunchtime. The director assured us that instructions will be given to the contractor,” said Manuel Cardozo, president, all Goa traditional beach shack owners association.

Khaunte said that the meeting was convened to give tourists a true Goan experience while ensuring good business practices. “The department is aware of the issues brought forth by the association and is actively working towards streamlining all related processes. A new contract has been initiated to address the management of beachside toilets, with efforts underway to ensure facilities are improved and made easily accessible and seamless for tourists,” said Naik.

Cruz said Goa police needs to step up and crack down on the vendors. “There were no major issues. The minister wanted to proactively sort out our concerns. This was the first time we had such a review meeting,” said Cruz.