PANJIM: Stakeholders have termed the proposed 'Goa Tourism Promotion, Management and Regulation Bill, 2024', as draconian due to the proposed tourism force, the hefty fines proposed and the taxation of food products and everything related to tourism. They said the bill is totally anti-Goan.

Ironically, the bill drafted by the tourism department, says it aims to consolidate and amend the laws applicable to tourism and to “protect, preserve and retain the natural and cultural heritage of the state”.

Santosh Diukar, Tourism Stakeholder said, “Each and every establishment including hotels and restaurants had to be re-registered.  They have to pay 2% tourist sustainability fee on even food items. All events have to be registered if it is more than 25 people involved. This will include birthdays and even Christmas parties. The tourist force will have he powers of the police, excise dept to raid your premises.”

Other tourism stake holders flayed the high fines proposed by allowing touts to get away with lesser fines.