BJP MLA Michael Lobo raised a growing concern in the Goa Legislative Assembly about the unchecked expansion of illegal homestays, which are beginning to negatively affect local communities, disturb neighborhood peace, and put a heavy strain on public infrastructure and basic amenities. These homestays are typically located in residential apartment complexes, many of which were purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic by individuals from metropolitan areas like Delhi and other regions outside Goa. Originally intended as second homes for occasional personal use, these flats are now being used illegally as short-term holiday rentals, often listed on online booking platforms without any registration or approval from the state tourism department. Lobo emphasized that this trend is not only unauthorized but also increasingly problematic for Goan residents who share their buildings with unpredictable tourist groups. He pointed out that these tourists often behave irresponsibly, creating a nuisance by drinking in public areas, playing loud music, and engaging in behaviors that disturb the peace of the community.
The issue came into sharper focus during the Zero Hour session of the Assembly, where Lobo described the situation as a “menace.” He warned that the growing number of such illegal homestays was upsetting the social balance within neighborhoods. In many buildings, a significant percentage of flats are now rented out on a short-term basis to tourists. These renters are often not accounted for, and no one keeps proper track of who is entering and exiting the premises. This unmonitored movement poses a threat not only to the safety and security of permanent residents but also to the overall well-being of the neighborhood. Lobo stressed that residents now feel increasingly anxious about their safety, as well as the deterioration of their living environment. The added pressure on building infrastructure, such as water supply, garbage management, and security, is becoming unsustainable. As a solution, he strongly urged the state government to crack down on these unauthorized operations and ensure the enforcement of strict regulatory norms to protect law-abiding citizens.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, in response to the concerns raised by Lobo, reaffirmed the government's commitment to regulating the tourism sector responsibly. He clarified that the tourism department has already taken significant steps to ensure that all legal accommodations—hotels, guesthouses, and registered homestays—are verified and listed only through official Online Travel Aggregator (OTA) platforms. According to Khaunte, the department constantly monitors these platforms to ensure that the listings comply with the required state regulations. He added that while the government has systems in place, the active involvement of local citizens is essential to make enforcement more effective. Khaunte appealed to the people of Goa to report any suspicious or unregistered tourist accommodations so that the authorities can take swift action. This collaborative approach, he said, would be the most effective way to uphold the integrity of Goa’s hospitality industry while protecting the rights of genuine residents.
To provide structure and legality to the booming homestay sector, the Goa government had earlier introduced the Homestay and Bed and Breakfast Policy in December 2023. This comprehensive policy aims to bring informal accommodations into the regulatory framework by mandating registration, setting service quality standards, and regulating the uncontrolled proliferation of tourist lodgings in residential areas. The policy also lays out clear guidelines regarding the operation of homestays, including the requirement for owners to provide details of guests and follow safety protocols. By streamlining these accommodations through official channels, the government hopes to encourage responsible tourism, generate revenue, and ensure that the interests of both tourists and residents are preserved. The current debate in the Assembly reflects the tension between the economic benefits of tourism and the social responsibilities that come with it. As Goa continues to attract millions of tourists each year, balancing development with regulation remains a critical challenge for policymakers.
