In a bid to encourage hundreds of operators offering ‘unregistered’ accommodations, which are mostly in the nature of flats and houses classified under category ‘D’ and rented out for tourists, the tourism department is sought to speed up the registration process.
The department will issue registration certificates to class D accommodations pending inspection. Recently, the department came out with modified rules that makes registration mandatory for all accommodations/units rented out to tourists.
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Nilesh Shah said many rented out their houses and flats to tourists, but the department had no record. The tally of unaccounted rooms will be huge, he said. At times, tourists visiting Goa for a month or more choose to rent a house or flat as it serves their interest better. Villas or single-story houses with an element of luxury are rented out at a higher rate.
“The government does not earn any revenue when residential houses are used for commercial purposes. Genuine operators are also affected due to unfair practices followed by some persons,” he said.
Shah said it is a good step that the department has provided this relief as it will encourage property owners to register with the department.
The registration certificate will be issued initially on verification of ownership documents of the accommodation unit submitted by the applicant along with house tax receipt and no-objection certificates from Goa State Pollution Control Board, fire and emergency services and the panchayat or municipal body.
Director of tourism Menino D’Souza, in the public notice issued recently, stated that during actual inspection done subsequently, if the applicant is found non-compliant towards any condition or rules in force, the registration certificate will be withdrawn.
All certificates/NOCs that are listed for obtaining registration certificate shall be obtained by the applicant before commencing commercial activity. All units issued registration certificates shall adhere to safety and hygiene guidelines laid down by the ministry of health and family welfare, reads the director’s notice.
