Goa tourism minister’s latest grievance: ‘People from Delhi… who bought second homes here during Covid’
In a recent session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte voiced serious concerns. He warned about the rising number of unregistered homestays, especially those owned by Delhi-based buyers who purchased second homes in Goa during the pandemic. While this trend began as a response to lockdown fatigue, it has now turned into a challenge for the state’s tourism governance.
A Real Estate Boom During COVID
During the pandemic, many professionals from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru moved to Goa. They sought better quality of life and more space during lockdowns. As a result, real estate in Goa witnessed a boom. Areas such as Assagao, Anjuna, Siolim, and Parra saw a surge in second-home purchases.
However, the situation soon changed. Many of these properties were converted into short-term rentals. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com listed these homes, often managed by third-party hosts rather than the actual owners.
Khaunte Raises the Red Flag
Minister Rohan Khaunte raised the issue under Zero Hour. He pointed out that many of these properties function like mini-hotels but operate without licenses. According to him:
- These rentals bypass the state’s registration process
- Tourists create disturbances in residential complexes
- The state loses revenue as these units avoid taxes
- Local safety and infrastructure are being compromised
“We welcome tourists,” Khaunte said, “but illegal hospitality setups hurt our economy and disturb peaceful communities.”
The Homestay Policy Isn’t Working
To address such concerns, the state introduced the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Policy in 2023. This initiative aimed to regulate small tourism operations and promote rural experiences. The policy made it easier for property owners to register and operate legally.
Unfortunately, the response has been poor. Only around 230 homestays have registered so far, despite the thousands of listings online. Clearly, enforcement has not kept pace with the problem.
The Legal Loophole
Real estate investors have taken advantage of a legal grey area. While anyone can buy property in Goa, turning it into a commercial rental requires approval and registration. Yet many owners ignore these rules.
Residents in housing societies have filed complaints. They say tourists often host loud parties, misuse shared facilities, and disrupt daily life. These guests come and go without proper checks, which also raises security concerns.
To counter this, Khaunte’s department is working with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Housing societies are encouraged to report any violations via the toll-free number 1364. Authorities are also monitoring online rental listings more actively.
Another Minister Speaks Out
Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik supported Khaunte’s stand. He took it one step further. In a passionate appeal, he told Goans: “Do not sell your ancestral land to outsiders.”
He stressed that Goa’s identity is under threat. “Tourists should come, enjoy, and leave,” he said. “We cannot allow our culture to be diluted.”
His message resonated with many locals. Rapid commercialization has changed the face of traditional villages. Locals now fear losing both their heritage and their homes.
Action Underway
To curb the rise in illegal stays, the government is taking several steps:
- Real-Time Tracking: Authorities are using the TIME software to collect booking data from platforms like Airbnb and MakeMyTrip.
- Fines and Penalties: Unregistered properties could face penalties or be shut down.
- Involving the Public: Residents and societies are being encouraged to report suspicious activity.
- Promoting Legal Options: New homestay incentives focus on Goa’s rural and hinterland areas.
These measures aim to balance tourism and community welfare. Goa needs tourism, but not at the cost of local peace and law.
The Bigger Picture
Goa’s charm lies in its relaxed vibe, scenic beauty, and strong community life. But if illegal rentals continue to rise, the state may lose what makes it special. Tourism accounts for nearly 17% of Goa’s GDP, but its success depends on sustainable practices.
Tourism Minister Khaunte has made his position clear. He doesn’t oppose tourists. Instead, he wants order, fairness, and respect—for both locals and the state’s hospitality industry.
Conclusion
The debate around second homes in Goa is not just about laws. It is also about identity, responsibility, and vision. As more people buy homes for short-term profits, the government must ensure they play by the rules. Goa’s future depends on how it balances growth with heritage.
If changes aren’t made soon, Goa risks losing the very culture and charm that draws visitors in the first place.
